NHL Trade Rumors: Free Agency Will Help Blue Jackets Trade Rick Nash

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson has been remarkably patient in his handling of Rick Nash's future with the team, and his patience could be rewarded when teams that fail in free agency likely show interest in the star power forward.

Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Post-Dispatch had an interesting tweet regarding Nash on Saturday.

"

Strong reason to believe that Rick Nash trade talk, on the eve of NHL Free agency, is beginning to warm up considerably. Will advise. #CBJ

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 30, 2012"

The weak free-agent class will benefit Howson tremendously because the amount of elite talent available is quite small. The trade market could soon be the place where teams look for help, and it's where Nash is the biggest name available.

John Shannon of Sportsnet.ca touched on the subject via Twitter on Saturday.

"

Don't rule out that the teams that don't get Zach Parise, actually re-think a trade for Rick Nash. There's more and more talk about #61.

— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) June 30, 2012"

After the first few days of free agency conclude and teams have an idea of who they won't be able to sign, Howson will be in a great position because he will have the best player available.

By being patient and waiting until after the draft to deal Nash, Howson will maximize the potential return package that he could acquire for Nash. Teams desperate for scoring may not have many options other than Nash during the offseason.

If teams like the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes don't get their top targets in free agency, Howson could have quite a bidding war for Nash.

Even if you don't like Howson and the job he's done building the Blue Jackets, he has been very patient with Nash and hasn't given into any pressure to deal him. For this, he deserves tremendous credit because free agency will probably help Columbus' ability to get the best value for Nash.

Follow @NicholasGoss35