NHL Trade Rumors: Blue Jackets Must Test Waters and Shop Rick Nash Hard

If the Blue Jackets are really entertaining the idea of trading Rick Nash then they need to make the entire NHL know that his services are available for the highest bidder. The best thing to do when moving a player like that is to make it an all-out bidding war, as that is what will bring you the most value. 

Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch speculated on the teams that Nash would approve a trade to. Remember that he has veto power, so his wish list is important to note. 

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Boston, Los Angeles, the Rangers, San Jose, Toronto and Vancouver are believed to be on the approved list for Nash.

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He added:  

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The Blue Jackets are said to want at least one young roster player along with a combination of top prospects and quality draft picks.

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The easiest way to get that and more is to shout from the rooftops that Nash is available and make it perfectly clear what teams are interested. Make them bid against each other.

Not only is Nash 27, but he is one of the 10 best players in the league, having buried 30 goals in six of eight seasons. This is truly a special talent.

In addition to that, he is locked up through the 2017-2018 season, so a new team wouldn't need to worry about giving up a lot for a rental. 

All of this means that teams will give up an awful lot to get him. Columbus needs to make its asking price crystal clear. The rule of negotiating is that the more people that are interested, the better the deal becomes. 

If only one or two teams were interested in Nash, they could sit back and low ball the Blue Jackets. But if we're talking about six teams, they're not only going to be interested in landing the star player, but keeping him away from a rival. That is only going to bring the price up. 

The return on this trade could easily be enough to give the Blue Jackets a young nucleus to build around for a decade.

If they're not interested in trading Nash then they shouldn't even be entertaining offers, but according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, they have at least had conversations with the Rangers. 

There is no need to be so secretive. If they are really thinking about moving Nash, they should make this a public spectacle. Let teams go nuts selling out to win the Stanley Cup. When those teams go overboard, the Blue Jackets can pounce and be set for a long time. 

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