NHL Rumors: Rick Nash a Long Shot to Land with Philadelphia Flyers

Any team in the NHL would like having a player of Rick Nash's caliber, but that doesn't mean every team has a chance at landing the nine-year veteran.

The Philadelphia Flyers are one of those teams that appear to be on the outside looking in.

There was talk that the Columbus Blue Jackets dangled Nash for James van Riemsdyk, Sergei Bobrovsky, a draft pick and Brayden Schenn or Sean Couturier, but that proved to be too high a price to pay for the Flyers.

On top of that, offense isn't the Flyers' highest priority, given they are scoring 3.31 goals per game (best in the NHL) and allowing 2.97 goals per game (sixth-worst in the league).

In addition, the Flyers aren't even on Nash's wish list, which reportedly includes the Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs.

So how can anyone say they are even remotely close to acquiring Nash?

Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson did reportedly meet with Flyers GM Paul Holmgren in the past week to discuss possibilities, but just because Holmgren talks to Howson doesn't mean he's seriously interested. Part of being a GM is scouting out potential deals—Holmgren would have to be a fool not to at least meet with Howson about Nash.

The Flyers would love to add a winger like Nash as they head into the playoffs, but they aren't going to give up players like Schenn or Couturier to do so. There are plenty of teams more needy for a top winger, with the New York Rangers particularly coming to mind.

Any buzz about Nash going to Philadelphia needs to stop.

There are way too many things working against a potential deal.