NHL Trade Rumors: Rangers Must Shorten Untouchables List and Acquire Rick Nash

Of all of the teams rumored to be in the Rick Nash trade sweepstakes, the New York Rangers seem like the most likely team to land the forward. They have organizational depth, they don't fear Nash's cap hit and the forward would be a vital piece to a team with realistic Stanley Cup aspirations.

So it's time the Rangers made this happen. And for them to do that, they need to reduce the number of players they've labeled as untouchable.

From Larry Brooks of the New York Post:

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Sources familiar with the parameters of the discussions between Sather and Columbus counterpart Scott Howson have told The Post the Rangers have designated Ryan McDonagh, Michael Del Zotto, 2009 first-rounder Chris Kreider and 2011 first-rounder J.T. Miller as untouchables when the Blue Jackets requested their inclusion in the package for Nash, the 27-year-old power winger who is being dangled to deep-pocket contenders.

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According to Brooks, the team is also unwilling to move 20-year-old defenseman Tim Erixon, though, Howson has shown interest in the young defenseman.

So what are they currently offering?

Brooks is hearing the Rangers would like to send Columbus a package of Brandon Dubinsky, Christian Thomas, 2010 first-rounder Dylan McIlrath and a first-round pick, which certainly isn't chopped liver, but likely won't get this deal done, either.

The Rangers' philosophy to gradually improve their squad by drafting well and developing their own players is smart, but this Rangers team is ready to win a Stanley Cup now, and that can't be overlooked.

You never know if things will click in the future like they've clicked thus far this season for the Rangers. And though Nash's cap hit is significant, it's not like a trade for him is a rental—he'll be locked up through 2017-18.

So the benefit of adding the proven contributions of Nash is an investment over several years, not a short-term fix.

The Rangers can make this move happen. They are in a position to improve their offense and elevate themselves to the favorites in the East to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

If they want to touch the Stanley Cup this year, they would be wise to loosen their grip on the untouchables in their system and make the deal.

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