Rick Nash Trade Rumors: Power Ranking Possible Destinations for Coveted Winger

While just about any team in the NHL would want Rick Nash, not everyone should be pursuing him. Actually, some teams would be flat-out foolish to do so, even if he wants to go there. 

On Monday, Darren Dreger of TSN tweeted that the Flyers were out of the sweepstakes. 

"

Lots of time for things to change, but sources say the Flyers are out on Nash at the current asking price. Still think NYR is front-runner.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 20, 2012"

So, according to Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch, that leaves us with the Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs. In reverse order, let's take a look at those teams and see who would be the best fir for Nash. 

6. Boston Bruins

Things are fine in Boston. Over the course of a season, every team will experience a dry spell or two, and the Bruins are going through one now. Still, this is the second seed in the Eastern Conference and the second-highest scoring team. 

I am not saying that there's no way that they can improve the offense, but going overboard to do so would be stupid. After all, this team did just win the Stanley Cup.

5. Vancouver Canucks

While we're on the subject of teams that look out of place on this wish list, why is the NHL's second-highest-scoring offense and the current second seed in the West even looking at Nash? For the sake of the Canucks' sanity, let's hope this is coming more from Nash than Vancouver, because this trade would be pointless. 

Vancouver's offense is a machine. Their passes are crisp and the shots are on point. This team as it's constructed can easily hoist Lord Stanley's Cup in June. There is no need for them to unload what would surely have to be given up for a player like Nash. 

4. San Jose Sharks

This move makes a little more sense, but not much. The Sharks have a strong top two lines. If they are going to trade for anyone, it needs to be a third- or fourth-line guy. 

As it stands right now, the Sharks have struggled all year to maintain consistency. Still, they are at the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference, sitting atop the Pacific Division. San Jose is also the fourth-highest-scoring team in the conference despite playing fewer games. 

They haven't been as crisp as Boston or Vancouver, but the present group of Sharks has what it takes to win the Stanley Cup. There is no need to break that group up for a superstar.

3. Toronto Maple Leafs

This is where things get a little more interesting. The Maple Leafs are currently in the playoffs, but barely. Standing still puts Toronto at risk of being taken over by the likes of Winnipeg, Washington, Tampa Bay or even Buffalo. 

Given that they are currently in the No. 8 spot, being taken over by a single team would knock the Leafs out of the playoffs. 

They are OK on offense, but they could certainly use that jolt. Unlike the three teams previously listed, Toronto doesn't have a lot of recent success to boast. Bringing in a player like Nash would be a huge confidence boost for the final stretch. 

2. Los Angles Kings

No team in the league has scored fewer goals than the Kings. They are averaging just over two goals per game, and that will not get it done in the NHL. 

Los Angeles is in need of a serious offensive jolt if they are going to make the playoffs and make any noise when there. The only reason they're not No. 1 is because Nash would cost a lot and their offense is so inept that making that move wouldn't even guarantee a playoff spot, or a good run. 

But the Kings need to do something. Nash is not the only player that would help them, but he'd be a fantastic start. 

1. New York Rangers

The Eastern Conference's top team sits in the middle of the pack when it comes to putting the puck in the back of the net. Their playoff spot is not in danger, but if they're struggling to maintain offense, it's not going to take much for the Rangers to fall victim to a postseason upset.

With Nash on board, it becomes a lot more difficult. Opponents would need to devote too much attention to Nash, opening the door up for his linemates to get the puck to the net. 

When you combine need with actual likelihood of the move paying off, no team comes anywhere near the Rangers.

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