Rick Nash Trade Rumors: Nashville Predators Emerge as Frontrunner in Sweepstakes

Just a day before the Feb. 27 trade deadline, the Columbus Blue Jackets may have finally been wowed by an offer for their soon-to-leave Rick Nash by the Nashville Predators, as they try to swoop in and nab one of the league's most prolific scorers.

Nashville City Paper writer David Boclair reported that the Preds have an offer on the table for Nash. 

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"Source believes the Nashville Predators have made the greatest offer for Rick Nash. Ultimately, it is up to Nash if he will waive his NMC." via (@HockeyBreak)

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The Preds have reportedly offered the likes of Colin Wilson, Ryan Ellis, Teemu Laakso and a first-round pick for Nash. 

While Nashville has rarely been publicly in the sweepstakes for the Blue Jackets captain, it may be the best offer they receive before the trade deadline. Wilson is a budding offensive weapon and would help replace Nash, while Ellis is one of the league's premier young defenders.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers have been rumored to be the only teams left in the hunt for Nash before reports that Preds GM David Poile is trying to pull undeniably the biggest deal in franchise history.

The Rangers have offered up one of their two highest-scoring defensemen in Michael Del Zotto and Ryan McDonagh, as well as a prospect and first-round pick. Ellis' potential could trump the two Rangers while New York doesn't offer any offensive explosiveness to replace Nash. 

The Predators are unlikely on Nash's wishlist, but he has to consider them given the playoff atmosphere and direction the program is heading. Plus, such a move could nearly seal star blue-liners Shea Weber and Ryan Suter's future with the team as they look for goal scoring to help them get a Stanley Cup.

Plus, giving up Wilson does little to cripple their offense, as he's only seventh on the team in points with 33. 

The San Jose Sharks have also been looking to add Nash, but their 6-2 beating at the hands of Nashville on Saturday night could do them harm and the Preds good. 

The Predators would give Nash the ability to be the option on a balanced offensive attack that doesn't feature any stars. He could go out and get his 65 to 70 points per season while making Nashville a four-headed monster with himself, Suter, Weber, and Vezina trophy finalist Pekka Rinne.  

This deal would be big for both Nash and the Predators while setting up a perennial Cup contender in Music City for years to come.

Now it's time for the Blue Jackets to decide if it's big enough for them.