Report: Leafs GM Brian Burke Talks with Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson in New York

Rick Nash has been the center of trade talks since being put on the trading block last week by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It is believed that the Blue Jackets forward could be moved prior to the February 27th deadline. To where?

Teams such as the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers and the Los Angeles Kings are believed to be on his short list of possible destinations via trade. It is also speculated that the Toronto Maple Leafs may be on that list as well.

Those speculations have heated up today.

It has been reported by TSN Insider Pierre Lebrun that Leafs general manager Brian Burke traveled to New York today to meet with Blue Jackets general manger Scott Howson.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are in New York today to face off against the Rangers at 8 p.m. ET.

So, why would Burke travel to New York to meet with Howson?

Many people would suspect that a possible deal is in the works between the Leafs and Blue Jackets. But according to Burke, this is not the case. Burke told Lebrun that he is in New York for an "unscheduled meeting..." Burke also said that the meeting was about other business.

Personally, I'm not buying it.

Why would Burke travel to New York and talk to Howson on a so called "unscheduled meeting" about "other business." It doesn't add up.

There must be a trick up Burke's sleeve. It doesn't make sense to visit Howson about other business, when Howson is trying to shop Nash to other NHL teams.

But who am I to say that?

At the same time, I can see why a deal wouldn't get done between the Leafs and Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets' asking price for Nash will likely be fairly high. The return would possibly include young players and prospects, as well as early draft picks.

This means that the Leafs would likely have to give up young players such as Nazem Kadri, Jake Gardiner, Keith Aulie, and/or Luke Schenn. They would possibly even have to part with more proven players such as Mikhail Grabovski, Nikolai Kulemin or Clarke MacArthur. Goaltender James Reimer may also be included on that list.

These are just some possible players that the Blue Jackets would want in return for Nash. This would be a fairly high cost in Burke's mind. Some Leafs fan may also feel the same way.

I guess we'll have to keep our eyes and ears open for more details, following the Nash sweepstakes.

On another note, don't be surprised if Howson meets with New York Rangers GM Glen Sather while they are in town. It is believed that the Rangers are also on Nash's short list of teams he would accept a trade to.

Who really knows what is going to happen? The answer? No one.

Rumors and speculation have circle the big forward, and will continue to circle right up until the February 27th deadline.

The best thing to do, is keep your eyes and ears open for more news, more rumors and more trades around the NHL.