NHL Trade Rumors: NY Rangers Shouldn't Hold Back in Order to Land Rick Nash

Since his name hit the wire, Columbus Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash has been linked to many different teams across the NHL. While many teams will be looking to trade for him, nobody should be more intrigued by the possibility than the New York Rangers.

According to Katie Strang of ESPN, the Rangers are believed to be front runners, as they also stand to be one of six teams that Nash has put on his approval list.

Nash does have a no-trade clause, so that can bode well for the Rangers if he zeros in on them as his most preferred destination.

Of course, it won't come cheap.

According to the source: 

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Initial reports speculated Columbus' asking price to be substantial -- Brandon Dubinsky, top prospect Chris Kreider and a 2012 first-round pick -- but it is likely Columbus GM Scott Howson could demand even more. Other players Columbus may be interested in? Prospects Tim Erixon, Dylan McIlrath, and J.T. Miller, to name a few. 

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While that would be a lot for the first place Rangers, as they really don't need much, the addition of Nash could put them well over the top, as well as heavy favorites going into this year's Stanley Cup playoffs.

Nash only does have 39 points going into any potential trade, which is less than what both of Rangers right wings in Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan have, but it is worth mentioning that Nash is on the worst team in the NHL.

If the team were to trade Dubinksky, they would have to likely shift one of the three to the left side. While it would be a gamble, it could certainly pay off big for the Rangers.