NHL Rumors: New York Rangers Make the Right Move in Dropping out on Rick Nash

With the NHL trade deadline quickly approaching, it is becoming quite clear that the Eastern Conference-leading New York Rangers are beginning to move on in the sweepstakes for Columbus Blue Jackets' star winger Rick Nash.

According to ESPN's Katie Strang, the Rangers look to be out of the running after the Blue Jackets' demands have reached too high of a cost.

"

#NYR Doesn't appear Rangers are willing to concede to CBJ demands. At this point, NYR considered out of running for Nash

— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) February 26, 2012"

This was a smart move for the Rangers, as they don't want to give up too much considering where they currently stand in the Eastern Conference and the NHL.

The team is currently seven points above the Boston Bruins, but are in a tight race for the top position in the entire league as the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings are playing some tough hockey in the Western Conference.

The addition of Nash would definitely bolster the team's roster heading into the playoffs, but with right wingers in Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan already playing at a high level, a costly trade for Nash just isn't worth the risk with everything else taken into account.

The Rangers still stand above the rest of their conference, and although they would have been possibly strong with a move, who knows where that would have left them for the future.

Nash is a talented player, but there is no guarantee that the former No. 1 overall pick would have meshed well with the team.

With the team they have in place, the only logical move is continue to build around them, rather than giving up any potential key components to satisfy a late season push.

There are other players, ones who can come at a much lower cost, that can help improve this team for a shot at the Stanley Cup.

Until they come across such a move, they would be wise to continue to be satisfied with the team already in place.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.
Follow @Real_Jeff_Chase