NHL Trade Rumors: New York Rangers Players Want Rick Nash

Rick Nash has become the most sought-after player at the deadline since the Columbus Blue Jackets made him available. Nash is the face of the franchise but also wants a shot at the Stanley Cup, and by trading him Columbus could get pieces that would make them relevant in the coming years.

According to the Montreal Gazette, Rick Nash would waive his no-trade clause for five teams: Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers.

Any of these teams would instantly become a contender for the Stanley Cup with Nash, and all have pieces that Columbus would want. However, the Rangers have publicly stated they want Nash.

John Buccigross, daytime anchor for ESPN and hockey analyst, has reported via Twitter that Rangers players want Nash on their team. The leadership that he brings to the team, along with his playmaking ability, would solidify their spot as the team to beat not only in the Eastern Conference but also in the NHL.

The Rangers would likely have to give up prospects and current players, the headliner being Brandon Dubinsky.

Rangers players want Nash because he could fit into the Rangers system fairly well, which would mean his production would start much earlier than other players the Rangers could pursue. Plus, the Rangers do not want to wait three or four years for the pieces they would otherwise keep to develop into NHL-ready players.

They want to win now, and the best way to do that is to get Rick Nash.

Columbus would lose out on the trade in the short run. They lose the face of the franchise and the hero of the team.

It would be the equivalent of LeBron leaving Cleveland or Pujols leaving St. Louis. However, the prospects that Columbus would get could put the franchise on the map. If the pieces they get turn out to be great players, it could potentially keep the franchise in Columbus.

Right now things are not going well in Columbus. The team is in last place, Jeff Carter did not work out and the team looks to be in full fire-sale mode for another "rebuilding" stage.

Columbus should give Nash the chance to go win the Cup and get some great pieces for him. Just because he's leaving doesn't mean he can't come back.