NHL Trade Rumors: Rick Nash to Philadelphia Flyers Would Be a Smart Deal

The Philadelphia Flyers have an interesting offseason in front of them, but one of the biggest rumors surrounding them is that Columbus Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash is a serious target.

While Columbus and Philadelphia have made trades in the past, this is a deal they have tossed back and forth for months.

Nash is a top-caliber player and the Blue Jackets want to receiver proper compensation, but the market is limited. If the well runs dry, it’s clear the Flyers want to be involved.

Flyers insider Tim Panaccio is reporting about the rumored talks between Columbus and Philadelphia about a trade for Rick Nash:

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Two sources say the Flyers are in serious discussions with the Blue Jackets to acquire the proven 40-goal winger. Problem is, do the Flyers have the assets to do the deal without gutting their forward spots? Columbus general manager Scott Howson apparently wants both Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier or one of them with several other players.

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There have also been other teams involved in the Nash sweepstakes, namely the New York Rangers, but the Flyers have made it known that they want to play a role in where the all-star goes and how much teams pay for him.

While many experts think Philadelphia just got involved to drive the price up and that Nash wouldn’t even consider playing for the Flyers, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

There have been reports that Philadelphia isn’t on Nash’s list of suitors, but Blue Jackets insider Aaron Portzline is reporting on Twitter that the Flyers are very much a part of that list:

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The Philadelphia Flyers are most definitely on Rick Nash's "approved" list. Don't pretend to know exact list, but Flyers are indeed on it.

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) July 2, 2012"

With the departure of James van Riemsdyk and possibly Jaromir Jagr, the Flyers will be looking to add another veteran forward either via free agency or through a trade.

There are several options on the market, but none that have the extensive resume like Rick Nash.

If Philadelphia wants to contend for a Stanley Cup next season, they must make a huge splash by trading for Nash.

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