NHL Trade Rumors: Jeff Carter Trade Could Speed Up Nash to Rangers?

Update: Jeff Carter has just been traded to the Los Angeles Kings for Jack Johnson and a first-round draft pick pending a physical. This move could be the first domino to fall that sends Rick Nash to the New York Rangers.

Rick Nash is likely to become a New York Ranger before the February 27th NHL trade deadline, according to two top NHL insiders. On the most recent TSN edition of TradeCentre, both Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) and Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) agreed that the Rangers are the front-runners to acquire the coveted power winger.

To fan the trade winds a bit, Dreger sent out this tweet which indicated that once a rumored Jeff Carter trade to Los Angeles was complete, the Blue Jackets could make a decision on a package for Rick Nash.

Both general manager Glen Sather and Scott Howson met last Sunday at Madison Square Garden when the Rangers defeated the Blue Jackets 3-2 in overtime, and both sides have negotiated since that Sunday.

At first, Howson demanded a king's ransom, but Sather counter-offered and provided a list of untouchables.

What is interesting is the Rangers are still the front-runner despite not willing to part with pieces like Chris Kreider or Michael Del Zotto.

Dreger went on to say that the Rangers need an answer soon because they have remained patient in this process. A move is likely to get done between tomorrow and Sunday if it happens at all.

This news is in its earliest stages, so as more information becomes available, this article will be updated.

(TSN Insider Video Clip)

Tom Urtz, Jr. is an NHL featured columnist. For NHL news, updates and alerts about players: