Rick Nash Trade Rumors

I’ll continue to add Rick Nash trade rumors to this post, bumping old ones to a jump page when it gets to long. Here are links to 2 previous entries HC Rick Nash Trade Tracker Videos and Rumors, and Blue Jackets put Rick Nash on the trade market.

Feb. 26th 8:15 PM

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Obviously possible Rick Nash could move by tomorrow but it were close in any way do you think CBJ would’ve played him today?”
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Teams that have the most interest in Nash don’t think he’ll be moved and are looking at other players.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Rangers weren’t willing to pay the price for Nash prior to today, and today the Blue Jackets asked for more than they initially asked for. Can’t really blame the Rangers for not wanting to blow up their team to make a Nash deal.

11:15 AM

  • David Boclair of the Nashville City Paper: The Predators have made an offer Nash. It’s unlikely the Blue Jackets would want to trade within their division. The Preds offer could include: Colin Wilson, Ryan Ellis or Jonathan Blum and multiple picks and/or prospects
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Blue Jackets haven’t spoken with the Maple Leafs in days. Leafs will keep trying, but Gardiner remains untouchable.
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Belief before the Maple Leafs loss to the Capitals that the Leafs interest in Nash was minimal, and they they were driving up the price for the Rangers.
  • Sam Carchidi via twitter: The Flyers are still talking with Blue Jackets about Nash, but nothing serious has developed. The Jackets want several of the Flyers young players.

9:00 AM

  • The Fourth Period: The Rangers may include Carl Hagelin (Rangers want Stepan) to go along with Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider and a 1st round pick. The Blue Jackets are asking the Maple Leafs for Jake Gardiner, Joe Colborne, Matt Frattin and a 1st round pick.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Leafs, Rangers, and Sharks have offers in on Rick Nash, and have all said the offer could be better in the summer. The Rangers and Leafs are being aggressive as they have more parts to offer than the Sharks.
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Sharks are still interested in Nash, but could probably make a better offer in the offseason. The Maple Leafs and Rangers are still in.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson should go after Derek Stepan over Brandon Dubinsky. Howson wants Chris Kreider, the Rangers best prospect. He also wants either Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, but McDonagh isn’t going anywhere. Dylan McIlray or Tim Erixon are also options. After the Carter deal, defense is not a top priority for Howson. He could use some 1st round picks to take a run at Canucks Cory Schneider this offseason. They already have their own and the Kings.

Feb. 25th 9:50 PM:

  • Spector’s Hockey via twitter: Elliotte Friedman suggested on the Hotstove that the Blue Jackets might not move Nash by Monday. They’ve shifted their focus to forwards for Nash.
  • Chris Botta via twitter: Botta can see the Rangers best offer for Nash as Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon, a 2012 1st round pick and a conditional pick based on Rangers success the next 2 years.
  • Todd Cordell via twitter: Bob McKenzie reported that the Canucks are jumping into the trade market, with Nash a possibility.

4:40 PM

  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Rick Nash’s agent spoke with TSN and said the following: “We’re hopeful a deal can get done prior to the trade deadline that is fair and equitable for the Blue Jackets…” .. “However, if a deal is not reached, then the list of acceptable teams will not change at a later date.”

2:05 PM

  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Rangers remain firm that they aren’t going to trade Michael Del Zotto or Ryan McDonagh in a deal with Columbus for Nash.
  • David Pagnotta via twitter: Hearing that the Blue Jackets want Derek Stepan badly, but might settle for Carl Hagelin. Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider, Stepan or Hagelin, and a pick (may not be a 1st). There could be more coming from the Blue Jackets. May boil today to Stepan or Hagelin.

9:00 AM

  • Aaron Portzline via twitter: “No guarantees #CBJ captain Rick Nash is traded by Monday’s deadline, but might be best for all parties to have a quick ending to this.” …”#CBJ have set the bar very high and are waiting for other teams to meet their requirements. So far, none of them have done so.” … “#CBJ approach is that they don’t have to trade Nash, but several possible suitors and the Nash camp are getting impatient w the process.” … “Might be best if #CBJ fans come to terms with the fact that Nash is likely going to be traded. Might not happen at deadline, but …” … “… chances of Nash being with the Blue Jackets at the start of next season are slim.”

Feb. 24th

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs will push the Blue Jackets to make a decision on Nash, and would like to know by tomorrow. The Rangers will likely do the same. Dustin Brown is plan B
  • Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun was told that the Kings made a big offer for Rick Nash and Jeff Carter at one point. The Kings took into account that Jonathan Quick will need a new deal after next season and will need a big raise. Jeff Carter’s salary cap hit is much easier to swallow.
  • Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Some teams like the Rangers want to know by Sunday what Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson’s intentions are with Nash so they can look at other alternatives if need be.

Feb. 23rd 7:35 PM:

Pierre LeBrun via twitter: If the Kings and Blue Jackets complete a Jeff Carter trade, that basically leaves the Rangers and Sharks for Nash.

Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Kings are out of Rick Nash talks.

11:00 AM:

  • Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers next 2 games will impact on GM Glen Sather’s urgency to pursue Rick Nash or not. The Rangers have lost 2 of their last 3. Ryan McDonagh, Michael Del Zotto, Chris Kreider and  J.T. Miller have been deemed untouchables according sources. Sather could be prepared to send Brandon Dubinsky, Christian Thomas, possibly Dylan McIlrath and a 1st round pick for Nash. Sather has been unwilling to include defenseman Tim Erixon.
  • Terry Koshan via twitter: Leafs GM Brian Burke said that it’s “not true” that they have a firm offer for Nash on the table.
  • Mark Master via twitter: Sharks center Joe Thornton call the Nash trade talk “outside nonsense.” He won’t comment on report that Sharks are in Nash.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Sources are saying the San Jose Sharks are looking into deals for Blue Jackets Rick Nash and Jeff Carter. Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson is still looking to get a 1st round pick, a good roster player, and the top prospect in that organization for Nash. For the Sharks the roster player may be Logan Couture or Joe Pavelski. Carter may cost a 1st round pick and to take on more salary with another player. A source said Nash could cost the Kings Jonathan Bernier or Jack Johnson, Tyler Toffoli and a 1st round pick.

Feb. 22nd

  • Darren Dreger of TSN: The Sharks are becoming a strong contender for Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash. According to sources the Jackets initially wanted Logan Couture, but were told that was a non-starter. Nash and Joe Thornton are friends, and have played together in international tournament. GM Scott Howson is working hard to find the best deal out there, and it’s unlikely Nash can be pressured to be moved to a city not on his list.

Feb. 21st

  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bob McKenzie said the Kings are inching into the lead for Rick Nash. Bernstein thinks the Rangers refusal to include Derek Stepan in a deal could be a reason.

Feb. 20th 5:00 PM:

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Things can change, but the sources are saying that the Flyers are out of the Nash sweepstakes at the current asking price. Dreger thinks the Rangers are the frontrunners.

2:05 PM:

  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein is hearing the Kings have expanded their offer for Rick Nash to include Jonathan Bernier, Jack Johnson, Andrei Loktionov.

9:40 AM:

  • Sam Carchidi via twitter: A source has said the there is little chance the Flyers trade for Nash, as they are comfortable with the team.
  • Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Reports out of Philadelphia on Saturday the Flyers “vaulted into major player status.” Brian Burke and Scott Howson had an unscheduled meeting. With the Rangers, Kings and Canucks possibly interested, Howson may have an ideal situation of bidders. The more teams involved lessens the chances of the teams getting Nash. If the Flyers were to trade for Nash, word is Sean Couturier would have to be a part of the deal. Scott Hartnell and James van Riemsdyk could also be involved.
  • Chris Botta of the NY Times: Rick Nash on trade rumors:

    “It’s going to take care of itself,” Nash said. “I just worry about today. Right now, I’m a Blue Jacket. That’s all that matters. I played my whole career here. I don’t fall into any of those rumors. All I’m dealing with is a game that I have to play in a few hours. That’s all I’m worrying about.”

  • Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks are on Nash’s list of teams he’d be willing to go to. Columbus would likely want Logan Couture or Joe Pavelski in return, which would be a no go with GM Wilson. Another roadblock would be Nash’s $7.8 million cap hit through 2018.

8:20 AM:
Rich Nash before playing in New York discusses trade rumors

  • The Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke after meeting with Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson, via email ”No comment on any … potential deals.” The trade excitement surrounds Rick Nash these days, but they may have spent a bunch of time discussing Jeff Carter. The chances may be greater for the Leafs trading for Carter than Nash. The Leafs could offer a package including Luke Schenn and Nazem Kadri or Joe Colborne, but others can top that. The only way a Nash to Leafs deal makes sense is if the teams with the best assets, like LA Kings, melt away and Howson decides to move him for less. The Leafs also need to be cautious on a Jeff Carter deal. He has a big contract, and would he fit well with Kessel and Lupul, or on the 2nd line. The LA Kings have the greatest need for Nash, and could offer Jonathan Bernier and a young Dman like Jack Johnson. The Flyers biggest need is goaltending and not scoring.

Feb. 19th :

  • Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Dupont lists some Joe Thornton-Rick Nash trade similarities. The Blue Jackets should be able to trade Nash for a #1 goalie (possibly one in waiting), 2 young NHLers, and a defenseman. The Bruins have a fit with Tuukka Rask, David Krejci or Milan Lucic,  and Johnny Boychuk or Adam McQuaid. The Canucks could offer Cory Schneider, Cody Hodgson, and Chris Tanev (suggested by other first) . Alex Edler would be too much and Keith Ballard not enough. For the Blues to get involved, would be either Brian Elliott or Jaro Halak, David Perron and Alex Pietrangelo.
  • Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Sources continue to say that the Flyers are listening to the Blue Jackets, even though it may not be the “right fit.” The asking price is probably Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier. Maybe it could be something like James van Riemsdyk, another player or high draft pick and Sergei Bobrovsky. The Flyers don’t want to move Schenn and Couturier. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said it was “unlikely” that he’d make a major trade by the deadline.
  • Dustin Leed via twitter: Scouting the Flyers – Penguins game: 2 Blue Jackets (GM Scott Howson and senior advisor Craig Patrick were on the list to attend), 2 Blackhawks, Kings, Predators, Canadiens, Avalanche, Flames, Panthers and Blues. Randy Miller via twitter: Miller notes that 2 Blue Jackets executives have been at a Flyers 3 times this week. He thinks talks must be serious.

Feb. 17th :

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun puts the Kings and Rangers as leading candidates for Nash. LeBrun also thinks Nash would love to play for the Red Wings, but the problems are: Nash’s cap hit is too high, CBJ and Detroit are in the same division, Wings may not want to mess with chemsitry and the assets to they’d have to give up. If Nash doesn’t get moved at the deadline, would you rather give up assets for him or take a run at Zach Parise if he’s not re-signed. The Leafs, Sharks, Canucks and Flyers are wild card teams.
  • Larry Brooks of NY Post: If the Rangers were to trade for Nash, it may complicate “their ability to keep the core of the team together over the next three summers when the contracts of 12 important players — including Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan Callahan, Marian Gaborik, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan, Michael Del Zotto and Carl Hagelin — will expire.”
  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons throws out if Burke would be willing to trade Kessel for Nash. Simmons also points out that many teams are having trouble as Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson “has yet to establish a clear, firm price of what he is expecting in return.” Simmons later lists a big group of players that could be involved: Kessel, Tyler Bozak, Nik Kulemin, Cody Franson, Luke Schenn, Keith Aulie, Jake Gardiner, Nazem Kadri, Joe Colborne, Matt Frattin, Korbinian Holzer, Stuart Percy, Brad Ross or Tyler Biggs.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Daily News: The Flyers have about $4.9 million in cap space available before the trade deadline day on Feb. 27th, and can afford up to $6.8 million in acquisition space according to capgeek.com. They have some pieces Columbus may want: Sean Couturier, Matt Read, Brayden Schenn, James van Riemsdyk, and Sergei Bobrovsky. The Flyers don’t really need offensive help at the moment, defense and goaltending have been their issues. Seravalli thinks the Flyers are a long-shot to get Nash.

Feb. 16th:

  • Sam Carchidi via twitter: A source has said the Flyers haven’t had any conversations with the Blue Jackets about Rick Nash.

9:45 AM:

  • @NewfamousLeafer via twitter (via @BrianHuddle): Made note that Darren Dreger said on TSN 990 that the Blue Jackets asked for Michael Del Zotto in a package for Rick Nash.
  • Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: If the Bruins were to take a run at Rick Nash, they have a key component the Blue Jackets could be looking for, a goalie in Tuukka Rask. The Jackets would also want another young impact player like Milan Lucic. The Bruins likely wouldn’t want to include Rask and Lucic. The Canucks are a more likely trade partner and could include Cory Schneider and Cody Hodgson.
  • David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Though a trade will likely happen at some point, it may not happen at the deadline. The main contenders to land Nash would be the: Bruins – may not be willing to trade Rask. Red Wings – could be interested in the offseason, but paying a big price for a winger is not a top priority at the moment. Kings – have Jonathan Bernier and a bunch of young defenseman. May be desperate enough to include Dustin Brown. Rangers – any trade would include part of Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagh, Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky and Michael Del Zotto. Flyers – may not be interested in trading any of Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn, James van Riemsdyk and Sergei Bobrovsky. The Flyers would also have to make some salary cap moves. Sharks – not many assets in assets in San Jose. Maple Leafs – have young assets in Luke Schenn, Nazem Kadri and Joe Colborne. Canucks – have Cory Schneider, Cody Hodgson and Chris Tanev.
  • Jesse Spector of the SportingNews: 2 sources have said the Blue Jackets are in no rush to ship Nash out. “No reason… to trade today, trade deadline or at draft,” one source said. “Just when they have maxed the deal.”
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson scouted the Flyers-Rangers on Saturday. 2 scouts watched the Capitals-Sharks on Monday. 2 Capitals scouts watched the Blue Jackets on Tuesday (2nd straight game). Blue Jackets scouted the Senators-Panthers game. Along with Nash, the Blue Jackets are shopping center Jeff Carter, Antoine Vermette, Sammy Pahlsson and likely everyone else on their roster, including R.J. Umberger, Derick Brassard and Curtis Sanford. The Rangers, Bruins, Kings, Sharks and Maple Leafs are believed to be on Nash’s approved list. The Jackets want at least a young roster player, and a combination of prospects and draft picks for Nash. The Rangers seem to make the most sense and they’ve had preliminary talks. Brandon Dubinsky, a young Dman in Michael Del Zotto, Ryan McDonagh and Tim Erixon, and prospect Chris Kreider could interest the Jackets. The Kings have a goalie in Jonathan Bernier, but lack the your prospects the Rangers have. They might be able to get a better offer in June.