NHL Trade Rumors: Rangers Shouldn't Deal for Rick Nash at Current Asking Price

The New York Rangers would love a player of Rick Nash's caliber, but giving the Columbus Blue Jackets what they want for him right now would hurt the Rangers more than it would help them.

Larry Brooks of the New York Post wrote on Monday that the Jackets are believed to be asking for Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, prospect Chris Kreider and either a first-rounder or another top prospect.

We knew it would take nothing short of a king's ransom to land Nash before the Feb. 27 trade deadline, but if the Rangers were to give up McDonagh or Del Zotto, it would be a big blow.

The Jackets are likely looking at prospects Tim Erixon, Dylan McIlrath, J.T. Miller and Christian Thomas. If someone like Erixon can be substituted for McDonagh or Del Zotto then the Rangers should make that deal.

They're currently leading the Eastern Conference right now and in position for a Stanley Cup title. Sure, Nash would be a great asset to have, but in my opinion the Rangers aren't desperate enough to give up McDonagh or Del Zotto.

Perhaps the Jackets will ease up on their demands before the trade deadline. In that case, I could see a deal for Nash going down. The Rangers obviously want to have as many impact players as they can before they enter the postseason and the Jackets' captain is undoubtedly a game-changer. However, they have to think about how their overall team would look heading into the playoffs, and the Jackets' demands right now are just too steep.

Nash has 40 points this season despite playing on the Jackets, the NHL's worst team. He's posted 54 points or more in each of his last seven seasons.

Whoever does land Nash before the deadline won't get him cheap. That much is certain.