NHL Trade Rumors: Rick Nash Would Solve Los Angeles Kings' Offensive Woes

Rick Nash is the best offensive player on the market this deadline season. The Los Angeles Kings are fighting for their playoff lives due to a lack of firepower on offense. It is a match made in Heaven for both the player and team. 

Pierre LuBrun of ESPN.com speculated that the Kings would be a terrific fit for Nash due to this need, as well as the number of talented young players and draft picks they would be able to give the Columbus Blue Jackets in return. 

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The Kings are a good fit as well, led by young netminder Jonathan Bernier as the carrot for Columbus. The Kings have other young assets such as forward Andrei Loktionov or defenseman Slava Voynov, or even blueliner Jack Johnson. As you mentioned, given L.A.’s craving for an upgrade at the wing position, it wouldn’t be out of the question that the Kings at least explore this. 

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While I am not a big proponent of trading multiple young players, especially a goalie, it would make perfect sense for the Kings in this case. 

Their roster is stacked with stars in their mid- to late-20s. As much potential as Bernier has, Jonathan Quick is one of the best goalies in the league and is only 26 years old. He isn't going to give up his perch. 

Making a big move like this could be the missing piece that the Kings need, not only to secure their spot in the postseason this year, but to send a message to the rest of the Western Conference that they are a force to be reckoned with. 

They have struggled to score all season. Their 2.1 goals per game is the worst in the NHL and it puts more pressure on the defense and goaltending to be perfect every night. 

Nash's numbers are down slightly this year, but a lot of that can be attributed to the team surrounding him. He is the only player on the Blue Jackets that opposing teams have to gear up for, so of course his stats will take a hit. 

By putting Nash on a team that has the talent to support him, his numbers will increase dramatically. There is no logical reason for the Kings not to pursue this deal hard.

It will take a lot of convincing to get the Blue Jackets to deal their only star, especially since he has six years left on his contract, but if any team has the resources to get it done, it is Los Angeles. 

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