NHL Trade Rumors: Rangers Smart to Walk Away from Rick Nash Asking Price

The New York Rangers want to add some talent and depth to their conference-leading roster, but they're not going to bend to the will of the Columbus Blue Jackets to make it happen.

In fact, it seems more and more likely that 27-year-old Rick Nash won't be dealt before the deadline at all. The Rangers, and many other teams, aren't going to give in to the asking price set by Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson.

Larry Brooks of the New York Post writes:

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(Glen) Sather, who has no interest in dealing Boston College winger Chris Kreider and less than zero in moving either Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, most certainly will check in with Columbus counterpart Scott Howson before the clock strikes 3, but unless the Blue Jackets reduce the asking price, Nash is more likely than not to remain where he is at least until June.

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The Rangers are likely to make moves elsewhere, but it is unlikely to include trading Brandon Dubinsky, according to ESPN New York.

New York is seven points clear of the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference right now, but still have a desire to add depth to their extremely talented front. They have little depth to speak of should disaster strike in the form of injury, and they need to fix that if they're going to make a legitimate run for the Cup.

Adding to the blue line will also be explored and with only a little bit of time remaining before the deadline they'll have to act fast.

Don't expect the Rangers to stay quiet.