Rick Nash Trade Rumors: Columbus Blue Jackets Right Not to Budge on Asking Price

While the standings wouldn't indicate it, the Columbus Blue Jackets and their fans have plenty of reason to be encouraged. Not only do they still have Rick Nash, but Columbus is not letting itself get bullied into trading him away. 

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun reported that the Blue Jackets are driving a hard bargain.

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Sources say Howson’s asking price from every team in the Nash talks is non-negotiable (at the moment) and gigantic in nature: A No. 1 pick in 2012 NHL entry draft pick; a good player off your roster (possibly Logan Couture or Joe Pavelski in San Jose’s case); plus the No. 1 prospect in the organization.

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Katie Strang of ESPN confirmed that Columbus would be looking for something on the same lines from any team., "i.e. a valuable roster player, top prospect, and 2012 first-round pick."

While that price seems high, it is actually quite reasonable for a player of Nash's caliber. Now, if I were to advise the Sharks, I would not tell them to give up that much for Nash. Still, Columbus has absolutely no reason to back off of that stance. 

Nash has shown no desire to leave the small market of Columbus, despite the fact that he has only made the playoffs once. As a matter of fact, signing a contract through the 2017-2018 season would indicate the exact opposite. 

To move a player of Nash's caliber, a team needs a guarantee that it will be worth its while and that talent will come back. That is precisely what Columbus is asking for ,and actually, they wouldn't be out of line to up that offer. 

We are talking about the 27-year-old best player in the history of franchise, one of the top-10 offensive players in the world, who is locked up for six more seasons after this one. If a potential trade partner isn't willing to give Columbus precisely what it's asking for, there is no need to even negotiate. 

If a team sees the need to bring in Nash, then they will make the trade. If not, then the Blue Jackets are in a far less desperate situation. 

With Nash, their franchise has its cornerstone to build around for the future. The Blue Jackets are 100 percent correct to ask for that in return if they're going to move Nash. If another team wavers in negotiations, Columbus doesn't owe them anything more than to hang up the phone. 

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