NHL Trade Rumors: 5 Best Destinations For Blue Jackets' Rick Nash

The NHL trade deadline is going to be an incredibly boring one unless the Columbus Blue Jackets decide to part ways with Rick Nash.

The star winger is stuck on the worst team in the league in a year where all but a select few are already out of the playoff hunt. David Shoalts of theglobeandmail.com is reporting that GM Scott Howson is willing to trade Nash to the right suitor as long as Nash is willing to waive his no-trade clause. Shoalts lists eight potential landing spots. I’ll rank what should be the top five options:

1. Los Angeles Kings

As Shoalts points out, Kings GM Dean Lombardi’s job is on the line. The Kings have to make the playoffs and have an asset in goalie Jonathan Bernier that the Blue Jackets would love to have. With plenty of other pieces to offer, this is the most attractive trading partner for the Blue Jackets.

2. New York Rangers

The Rangers are flying high right now, but Nash would put them over the top. Sure they might have to part ways with a few young guys like Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagh or Artem Anisimov, but it would be worth it for the Rangers in a year they have visions of the Stanley Cup in their eyes.

It’s a high-risk, high-reward scenario.

3. Philadelphia Flyers

Injuries are derailing a once promising season, and Nash would be the energy booster the team so desperately needs at the moment.

4. Detroit Red Wings

Nash would put this loaded squad over the top, but I’m not sure they can pull off a blockbuster trade like this during the season.

Disturbing the incredible chemistry right now in Detroit would be a big mistake.

5. Boston Bruins

With the uncertainty surrounding winger Nathan Horton, Nash would insure the Bruins have the proper depth heading into the grueling postseason.

The defending champs would have to likely part ways with goaltender Tuukka Rask, something they probably wouldn’t want to do.