NHL Trade Rumors: Why Rick Nash Wouldn't Make San Jose Sharks Cup Contenders

With every team in the NHL kicking the tires on a possible deal for the best scorers in the league, Rick Nash has become the trade rumor on everyone’s tongue.

The newest name in the mix has been the San Jose Sharks, and they have the real talent to make this deal happen. With a big group of young stars, the Columbus Blue Jackets have the most options if they really want to make this deal with San Jose.

That doesn't mean they should, though.

While Los Angeles and Philadelphia looked like the clear favorites to acquire the services of Nash, San Jose looks like they have the pieces it would take to get this deal done. The deadline will put the rush on this deal.

TSN’s Darren Dreger is reporting about a possible deal between the Blue Jackets and the Sharks:

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Sources say Columbus initially targeted Logan Couture, but was quickly told that was a non-starter. But, make no mistake, San Jose will stay in the mix until Monday's deadline. Nash and Sharks veteran Joe Thornton are good friends and have shown an impressive chemistry when playing together internationally that isn't being overlooked. The Sharks would prefer an off-season deal to avoid the in-season disruption, but San Jose is keen.

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The San Jose Sharks would have to give up too much to get the star, and as much as Nash would add offensively, he wouldn't help the team's ailing defense or questionable goaltending.

Thornton and Nash may have played together during the Olympics for Canada and have shown a serious bond, but this is much different.

If San Jose could recreate that chemistry on their top line, the Western Conference would be in for a rude, teal awakening. The problem is that a move this big would have the team's balance thrown off. It would result in complete and utter chaos.

If it will take Logan Couture or Joe Thornton to get this deal done, the Sharks should walk away. If the Blue Jackets will take a combination of other players and picks, San Jose should fork over whatever they ask for to make this deal happen.

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