NHL Trade Deadline: Columbus Blue Jackets Must Continue to Listen to Offers

The Columbus Blue Jackets traded center Jeff Carter away, but by no means should they stop trade talks, especially since many teams are coveting right wing Rick Nash. 

Monday is the NHL trade deadline, so the clock is running out for the Blue Jackets to find the right deal for Nash, who is arguably the biggest name on the trade block. 

Columbus is dead last in the NHL, and moving their top talent to build for the future is the Blue Jackets' best bet. 

TSN's Darren Dreger is reporting that a couple of teams are expected to make a strong push for Nash.

"

Busy day ahead. Leafs will push CBJ to make decision on Nash. Would like to know by tomorrow. NYR will likely do the same. Brown is plan B.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 24, 2012"

The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently one point back from being in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Landing Nash would significantly help them down the stretch, and the Leafs would certainly give the Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators a run for their money. 

The New York Rangers, on the other hand, are in first place in the Eastern Conference with a seven-point lead over the Boston Bruins.

We've seen the Rangers choke before, so it's no surprise they're trying to add strength to their roster in order to reach the postseason and win the Stanley Cup.  

If Columbus is smart, it will wait until the trade deadline is almost passed before dealing Nash.

The demand for Nash is high, so by choosing to wait as long as possible, the Blue Jackets will get a very rich deal. After all, multiple teams are after him. 

Since the Blue Jackets have nothing to play for and Nash is so highly coveted, they must continue to listen to offers.