2012 Trade Deadline: Who Wins the Rick Nash Sweepstakes?

With February 28 fast approaching, the crown jewel of the trade market is clearly Rick Nash. Captain Columbus and his $7.8 million cap hit are on the minds of playoff contenders across the land.

While Nash reportedly (via Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch) has submitted a list of five acceptable trade destinations, the list of suitors likely exceeds twice that amount. Nash is big, strong and fast, with filthy, silky mitts and a love to shoot.

His presence on the right roster could take a team deep into the playoffs. However, Columbus wants something in return too. The Jackets are clearly rebuilding and dumping salary (see Carter, Jeff), and looking to fill some of their many holes. There needs to be a good match with a partner in order for the Jackets to dance.

So who's in and who's just window shopping?

1) Philadelphia: It's a long shot to think that the Flyers could convince Columbus to take another horrid contract, but Bryzgalov for Nash would be a coup for the Fly guys. Heck, they could throw in out of favor, James van Riemsdyk for good measure. Not likely, but fun to think about.

2) NY Rangers: Though the fans let Mr. Nash know what they thought last week, they would really love to have him screaming down the wing at MSG. The Rangers have some young talent to spare and could make Nash's move to the big apple the most likely.

3) Toronto: Brian Burke has shown that he wants to win, and a splashy move for Nash would show everyone that the Leafs aren't looking for tee times come spring. It would be interesting to see what Columbus would want off that roster. Plus, Toronto probably isn't sure which goalie they want to keep.

4) Los Angeles: The Kings need scoring, and Luc Robitaille is not available. They have Jonathan Bernier, who has potential to be a stud between the pipes. Columbus needs a goalie. Throw Bernier with some prospects and maybe Gary Busey—and Nash is in Lipstick City.

5) Boston: The Bruins have shown they forget how to score at times. Counting on Tim Thomas and his Kevlar hip might be too much to ask again this year. Tuukka Rask is a capable starter in waiting, but they will need more to pull Nash to Beantown.

So there are my top-five destinations (not necessarily Rick Nash's). Also considered were Vancouver and San Jose. Truth be told, the most likely destination for Rick Nash on March 1—is probably Columbus.

The Jackets are better off dumping Carter than Nash anyway. His contract is absurd and he doesn't want to be there. Los Angeles seems to think that a Carter-Richards reunion in LA is a good thing, according to CBC's Elliotte Friedman (h/t Pro Hockey Talk). Nash has been a great leader in Columbus and is still young enough to build around—again.

Columbus has the No. 1 pick virtually locked up, so keeping Nash as a mentor—for at least another year—might be the best move the Jackets could make.