Rick Nash Trade Rumors: LA Kings' Shot at Nash Rests on Jonathan Bernier

The Los Angeles Kings are reportedly among six teams on Rick Nash's wish list, but if the NHL's lowest-scoring team is to have a shot at the highly coveted captain, they are going to have to convince the Columbus Blue Jackets that Jonathan Bernier is a No. 1 goalie.

The Blue Jackets are reportedly looking for a boatload in exchange for the nine-year veteran, and they have a clear need at goalie. In that sense, if the Kings offer Bernier in a package with some top prospects and draft picks, they could have a legitimate shot at Nash.

The jury is still out on Bernier. He's still young at 23 years old and was selected 11th overall in the 2006 NHL draft by the Kings, but he's also been backing up the sensational Jonathan Quick. No one really knows how he'll perform if given the starting job for a long period of time.

Consequently, if the Blue Jackets did this deal, they would be going off projection alone. Bernier has played in just 43 games in his four seasons in the league and has played in only 11 games this season.

There's obviously potential there, but it is worth noting that in limited action Bernier hasn't been great. He had a .913 saving percentage in 25 games last season, which would have placed him 27th among goalies if eligible.

Part of me says that the Kings are front runners in the Rick Nash Sweepstakes. As the NHL's lowest-scoring team, you have to think they wouldn't mind giving up a lot for Nash and Bernier is still an intriguing goalie who has room to grow.

There's also this from Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:

"

The Blue Jackets plan to overhaul their goaltending this summer, and it would be ideal to land a franchise netminder in the trade of Nash or center Jeff Carter, whom the club is also shopping. But it’s not a demand, a source told The Dispatch.

“We want value,” the source said. “Doesn’t have to be that position.”

"

In that sense, perhaps the Kings have a shot at Nash even if the Blue Jackets aren't in love with Bernier.

But I also look at teams like the New York Rangers, who have a wealth of young talent to offer, and wonder if the Kings still don't have enough to compete.

According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, the Blue Jackets are asking the Rangers for Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, prospect Chris Kreider and either a first-rounder or another top prospect.

At the moment, I don't think the Rangers would give up that much (McDonagh and Del Zotto are virtually untouchable), but if the Blue Jackets lowered their demands just a bit I could see the Rangers landing Nash.

In the end, I think the Kings don't land Nash unless the Blue Jackets really see something in Bernier.