Rick Nash Trade Rumors: Landing Nash Would be Jolt Sharks Need in Playoff Push

Everybody needs a helping hand from time to time. This year, the San Jose Sharks could really use Rick Nash.

On cue, they are the latest team said to have interest in the very popular forward from the Columbus Blue Jackets. From Darren Dreger of TSN:

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The San Jose Sharks are emerging as a strong contender for Rick Nash. 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 offseason deal to avoid the in-season disruption, but San Jose is keen.

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Besides, the Sharks would likely get Nash at a cheaper rate than if they made a move for him in the offseason—many more teams would throw their names into the hat if Nash were still available this summer.

And Nash would fill several huge needs for the team. Well, at least the needs Mark Purdy of MercuryNews.com feels the team needs to address:

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They need a forward who can play on the top two lines and provide more offensive vigor to a team that actually played pretty well defensively against the Red Wings.

They need another veteran presence that can produce more consistency, so that the Sharks don't score five or six goals some nights and only one or two in other games (including the past two).

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I mean, Nash would fulfill those needs perfectly, right? He's exactly what this team needs to jolt them awake. Sitting on 69 points (tied for sixth-most in the West) is not exactly where this team should be at this point.

And they desperately need a spark to awaken them from a recent slump that's seen the team win just two of their last nine games.

Yes, they're going to pay a steep price to land Nash, but it's not as though he's a rental. He's the sort of player who will energize the team this year and stabilize them in the future.

The Sharks need to make a splash, and Nash will make the biggest one possible. It's the right move, and one the front office needs to continue to actively pursue as the trade deadline looms.

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