Rick Nash Trade Rumors: Nash in Hostile Situation with Columbus Blue Jackets

It goes without saying that you already know that Rick Nash is still a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets, as the NHL trade deadline passed a few short hours ago. General manager Scott Howson elected to hold onto Nash despite the fact that numerous teams made last-ditch efforts.

The only last-ditch offer that has leaked out thus far was from the New York Rangers. Larry Brooks of the New York Post had this to say:

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There is no doubt that Glen Sather lusted to bring Rick Nash to New York, but when the Rangers’ general manager stuck to his guns in resisting Columbus’ demands that the package in return would have to include either Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto plus either Derek Stepan or Carl Hagelin, plus Boston College winger Chris Kreider and Brandon Dubinsky, talks that went to the wire on Monday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline ultimately went nowhere.

Columbus GM Scott Howson rejected what is believed a Rangers' final offer of Dubinsky, 21-year-old defenseman Tim Erixon, 2011 first-rounder J.T. Miller, 2010 second-rounder Christian Thomas and a first-round selection in this June's Entry Draft.

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I don't blame Glen Sather for not budging and giving in to Howson's unrealistic demands but things are going to be quite awkward for the power forward captain of the Blue Jackets. Howson addressed the media a little after the deadline had passed.

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Although he was not dealt by Monday's 3 p.m. deadline, Blue Jackets left wing Rick Nash made it clear that he requested a trade.   

In his post-deadline news conference, Columbus general manager Scott Howson said Nash approached him to see if he could facilitate a trade, however Howson was unable to find another team that could satisfy his demands. "The price was high and I don't apologize for that. It had to be high."

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By stating that Nash requested a trade, it creates an area of tension for the final stretch of the season. The players, coaches, fans and executives all finally know that Nash wants to leave. By also stating that Nash is the one who requested a trade, Howson will lose a lot of leverage at the draft. Nash's no-trade clause means he will choose his destiny and the teams he would accept a trade to now will be the same at the draft.

This offseason, Zach Parise, Ryan Suter, Alex Semin and various others will hit the open market. Teams on Nash's list like the Rangers could purse Suter or Parise. This idea of supply and demand will ultimately hurt Howson.

Another NHL trade deadline has come and gone but what will the fallout be in Columbus? Will the fans still hold up signs in support of Nash or will it be a long, drawn-out procession concluded with the inevitable departure of the face of the franchise? It will be interesting to see how things play out for Nash and Howson.

Tom Urtz, Jr. is an NHL Featured Columnist. For NHL news, updates and alerts about players: