is rick nash in play?

[Willie Dog]

i read that nash commented on he wouldn't do anthing to hurt the franchise

according to sporting news, nash said he would waive his ntc if the team wanted him to.

[blny]

His agent says he wants to stay and be part of the solution. The team says they don't want to move him. We'll see how it plays out.

[HFTO]

Not sure it matters unless we want to give up one or more of our young prospects or existing guys like Subban Eller and Patches.

Habs are sellers not buyers is this team good enough to win 28 or 29 out of the next 42?...it's very doubtful.

I'm not sayig don't try but be careful what you wish for...personally I get as much as we can for our pending UFA's and regroup for next year with a pile of picks...this team isn't good enough to win a series even if they made that miracle run....know when to fold'em and re tool for the next few years...Habs still need to get younger.

HFTO

[blny]

Jan 7, 2012 0:49:46 GMT -5 HFTO said:

Not sure it matters unless we want to give up one or more of our young prospects or existing guys like Subban Eller and Patches.

Habs are sellers not buyers is this team good enough to win 28 or 29 out of the next 42?...it's very doubtful.

I'm not sayig don't try but be careful what you wish for...personally I get as much as we can for our pending UFA's and regroup for next year with a pile of picks...this team isn't good enough to win a series even if they made that miracle run....know when to fold'em and re tool for the next few years...Habs still need to get younger.

HFTO

The only way a Nash deal could happen is if the Jackets took salary back. So, it would be all youth we sent the other way.

[HFTO]

Ya although we really,really, really need a Nash or Getzlaf we have to be careful what we give up.
I really want a stud here badly but unless you have a real wealth you can't take the chance,patience no matter how painful is key.

As much as it hurts to struggle it's going to happen occasionally (ie. Flyers, Bruins) the key is to make it a one year blip.
I'll cheer like hell for the boys to get out of this mess as it makes me sick, but if we can get a really good offensive player in this year's draft, it'll ease the pain.
I honestly think it was the mistakes of JM that led to this years undoing we really aren't this bad. If the Habs hold fast and deal with the UFA's only they'll be in the mix next year and inching closer as we weed the oldies out.

HFTO

[seventeen]

The continued development of Lars Eller will make that need less acute.

[blny]

While I like the tools Nash has, he's only scored 40 once. He's only got more than 70 pts once. Is it all a product of never having a high quality center? I don't get to see him play often, so I don't know how much he shows up. There's no doubt he's got oodles of talent, but is he worth $7.8 million cap hit until 2018? The Jackets have the 12th highest payroll. That will change somewhat this Summer. Huselius, Prospal, Pahlsson, and MacKenzie are UFAs. They'll have money to add a center if they want.

He's a right winger, so we'd have to send one back in the trade or have something else lined up to move Cammalleri/Gionta/Cole. Gionta can at least effectively play the left side. I want to keep Cole. So, it comes down to Cammalleri. Which begs the question: who's better value, Cammalleri @ $6 million for two more years, or Nash at $7.8 million for 5 more years? I think it's a fair question.

If we make Cammalleri the focal point, you have to add one to two pieces. I don't think you have to go overboard though.

[Anardil1]

Jan 7, 2012 17:39:52 GMT -5 HFTO said:

Ya although we really,really, really need a Nash or Getzlaf we have to be careful what we give up.
I really want a stud here badly but unless you have a real wealth you can't take the chance,patience no matter how painful is key.

As much as it hurts to struggle it's going to happen occasionally (ie. Flyers, Bruins) the key is to make it a one year blip.
I'll cheer like hell for the boys to get out of this mess as it makes me sick, but if we can get a really good offensive player in this year's draft, it'll ease the pain.
I honestly think it was the mistakes of JM that led to this years undoing we really aren't this bad. If the Habs hold fast and deal with the UFA's only they'll be in the mix next year and inching closer as we weed the oldies out.

HFTO

I agree that this team needs a Nash or Getzlaf, the need to pay the huge price is not worth it. This year is providing the club with a unique opportunity to acquire a Nash/Getzlaf type player for free at this summer's draft. I'll be "as happy as a little girl" (to quote Dr. Evil), if the Habs manage to get one of Yakupov, Grigorenko, or Galchenyuk at the draft.

[seventeen]

Three Russians, huh? risky, risky.

[blny]

Jan 8, 2012 16:44:08 GMT -5 seventeen said:

Three Russians, huh? risky, risky.

That's my opinion. If we look at our two most dangerous lines the last two games, we see that these lines are NOT perimeter based groups. I think we may be seeing a shift away from that style, which to me means no Russians.

[franko]

if you start talking about good western Canadian boys I'm going to start worrying about you ;D

[blny]

Jan 8, 2012 17:54:57 GMT -5 franko said:

if you start talking about good western Canadian boys I'm going to start worrying about you ;D

LOL. How about an American d-man?

[The Habitual Fan]

If the habs want Nash or another true power forward it is possible but it may involve getting another team or two involved and management has to be prepared to bury contracts in Hamilton if needed next year. Suppose the Blue Jackets want a first round pick and a top prospect well would a team like the Flyers that have lots of youth in the system give up a first rounder for Cammilleri and Gill at the deadline? Montreal gives that first rounder and Tinordi for Nash?

Its not likely but not impossible either if there is some creativity.

[GNick99]

RDS has Blue Jackets listening to offers for Nash

[CentreHice]

Here's a report from Sportsnet's John Shannon.

I have received a couple of calls from friends of Nash, who claim that Rick is very unhappy with the way the franchise is going and realizes it will take five more years to rebuild, again. Nash is now telling people close to him that he would entertain being moved, but still will not be the one who asks for a trade.
Always one who didn't aspire to play in a big market with big pressure, it appears Nash now realizes that he might have to step into the spotlight in order to win. It is a very tough situation for a very classy player.

[jkr]

Feb 14, 2012 11:13:43 GMT -5 CentreHice said:

Here's a report from Sportsnet's John Shannon.

I have received a couple of calls from friends of Nash, who claim that Rick is very unhappy with the way the franchise is going and realizes it will take five more years to rebuild, again. Nash is now telling people close to him that he would entertain being moved, but still will not be the one who asks for a trade.
Always one who didn't aspire to play in a big market with big pressure, it appears Nash now realizes that he might have to step into the spotlight in order to win. It is a very tough situation for a very classy player.

I heard this too. I'd love to see a player like Nash in Montreal but I don't think it will happen.

He's a winger & this team needs someone like him - but someone who is a centre.
The team is a mess & not much better than Columbus.
And I just don't think MTL has what CBJ would want unless you start talking Subban, Pacioretty etc.

As much as I hate to say it, I think Burke will make a big play here.

[CentreHice]

If Burke pulls that off, and the Leafs do well....good on him.

[GNick99]

Feb 14, 2012 11:13:43 GMT -5 CentreHice said:

Here's a report from Sportsnet's John Shannon.

I have received a couple of calls from friends of Nash, who claim that Rick is very unhappy with the way the franchise is going and realizes it will take five more years to rebuild, again. Nash is now telling people close to him that he would entertain being moved, but still will not be the one who asks for a trade.
Always one who didn't aspire to play in a big market with big pressure, it appears Nash now realizes that he might have to step into the spotlight in order to win. It is a very tough situation for a very classy player.

Well, must be something to it then if coming from different sources. Can't see him coming here if he don't like big markets. Nashville be good fit for him? They looking to keep Weber and Suter, acquiring Nash may do the trick. Plus they have the youth and plenty caproom to make such a deal. It will be huge what they give up for Nash.

[jkr]

Feb 14, 2012 12:29:01 GMT -5 CentreHice said:

If Burke pulls that off, and the Leafs do well....good on him.

From what I read on the web, CBJ wants a goalie & there are not a lot of teams that can give up a quality netminder & fit Nash into their cap. They be looking for someone like Rask or Schneider.

[Tankdriver]

I wish this never came out. Now all I see is leaf fans offering up stupid trade proposals. Let's look at what Columbus wants: a goaltender, number 1 or 2 defenceman, a future young player up front and probably 2 firsts. The only team I can see that might be able to offer this is Vancouver: They can trade Schneider, Elder, Hodgson and a first. But hey, if Burke can trade a bag of pucks for Phaneuf, he might be able to do it again. Komisarek, Schenn, Kadri is not that great of a package to me...

[Tankdriver]

Oh and maybe the Kings, they have Bernier and some high ranked defenceman and maybe even Kopitar.

[blny]

Dont forget the NMC on his contract. I doubt he would be interested. While we arent looking at a full on rebuild, Rick is going to want more of a sure thing imo.

Im also not sure we will see a deal by the deadline. Any deal involving Nash is going to be complicated. I see this as more of a draft through July 1st deal.

[Deleted]

He's available to "the right team." It would be a very bold move for PG to pull the trigger (which, no doubt will include the likes of Plekanec, Subban, Eller, Pacioretty, 1st Rounder).

[GNick99]

Feb 14, 2012 14:32:59 GMT -5 @mattdhf said:

He's available to "the right team." It would be a very bold move for PG to pull the trigger (which, no doubt will include the likes of Plekanec, Subban, Eller, Pacioretty, 1st Rounder).

Nash won't come to Montreal. Too big of a market

[blny]

tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=387786

McKenzie weighs in. I think the prevailing thought is that Rick has realized not only is Columbus staring at another 5 year rebuild plan, but he's going to have to go to a bigger hockey market to succeed. He'd no doubt be under the greateset scrutiny in Montreal and Toronto.

Doug MacLean spoke on Sportsnet today about a rumour of him going to NYR for Dubinsky, a prospect and a first. He shot it down hard, as not enough value. He's right too. It's going to take a strong first to second line player, a really good prospect - likely under the age of 20 - and at least one first round pick.

Some suiters will want to send money back. It will be interesting to see if CBJ is willing to do that - even if it means having said player short term.

[GNick99]

Vancouver be good fit...Nash could be missing piece to a cup. Canucks likely build a trade around Schneider.

[blny]

Columbus definitely needs help all the way up the middle. Schneider would solidify their goaltending. Is Grigorenko enough to help up the middle? Maybe they can find someone to play with Carter. I would be asking for a blue liner back and send them one of lesser value with Nash.

Nash
Martinek - has one year left on his deal

Schneider
Edler/Ballard
2 first rounders.

[BadCompany]

Feb 14, 2012 12:43:52 GMT -5 Tankdriver said:

Oh and maybe the Kings, they have Bernier and some high ranked defenceman and maybe even Kopitar.

I'm sure the Blue Jackets would love to get Nash out of their conference, but the Kings might be a good fit (though I doubt they are including Kopitar).

The Kings, as you say, could put Jonathan Bernier and Jack Johnson on the table, and tempt Nash with a good team, nice weather, and little pressure. Heck, the Kings could put Richards on the table and tempt the Blue Jackets into re-uniting Richards and Carter, though that probably wouldn't happen.

Bernier, Johnson, Loktionov and a 1st round pick for Nash? Be hard for any other team to top that offer, and it wouldn't even really hurt the Kings all that much.

[BadCompany]

This could be a fun exercise.

Let's see, as wanna-be GMs let's figure out what Columbus needs and/or wants, and who would be in the best position to fit those needs.

Columbus Needs:

Aside from "everything" I would say they need a #1 goalie, a stud defensemen, and an offensive dynamo up front to offset the loss of Nash. A center would be nice, but let's not forget that they will have their choice of Yakupov or Grigorenko, so they might be a little more flexible on this requirement.

Trade Requirements

Another first round pick goes without saying. Nash himself has final say on where he goes, and he's not a big fan of the media, so that might be a consideration. A team that can challenge for the Cup is almost certainly a prime consideration. Team's willing to deal for Nash must have, in my humble opinion, a young, #1 goalie to deal.

So, here is my handicapping of the race, front-runners first:

LA Kings[/u]

Pros: They have two #1 goalies in Bernier and Quick, so that's an easy requirement for them to fill. They have young defensemen, and more on the way. Who wouldn't want to play and live near the beach? Little media or fan pressure. LA's 1st round pick is currently higher than anybody else's. They have cap room.

Cons: Same conference as Columbus, which is a consideration. The Kings have dealt a lot of picks off of late, so dealing more has got to make them just a teensy bit leery.

Prediction: Strong contender for Nash.

Vancouver Canucks[/u]

Pros: They have two #1 goalies in Luongo and Schneider, so that's an easy requirement for them to fill as well. Vancouver is a nice city, and obviously a strong Cup contender. Cody Hodgson is a great forward to throw on the table in any trade discussion.

Cons: They don't have a lot of defensemen left in the system. Dealing Schneider, while perhaps necessary in the long-run, places everything squarely on Roberto Loungo's frail little shoulders. Fans can eat the rich with the best of them. Don't have enough cap room, will have to send salary back, and their 1st round pick is the "lowest" of any possible dealer. Same conference as the Blue Jackets.

Prediction: Will make a strong pitch, but I'm not sure it will be enough.


NY Rangers[/u]

Pros: Self-proclaimed greatest city on Earth. Players apparently love playing for Tortorella. Chris Kreider is a Nash-clone, and Del Zotto and/or McDonagh could fullfill the blueline requirements. #1 team in the Eastern Conference, playing with Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik has got to be enticing. Cap space shouldn't be much of an issue.

Cons: No goalie to offer, defensemen, while solid, don't have top-end potential. If you aren't sold on Kreider then the offer isn't a very good one.

Prediction: Good contender for Nash.

Philadelphia Flyers[/u]

Pros: They have the best forwards to offer, in terms of youth and potential. Schenn, Van Riemsdyke and Couturier are three big names for a rebuilding franchise. They are in the other conference, and their GM is hyper-aggressive when he wants something.

Cons: No goalie to offer, and while they can offer a defenseman or two, no future game breakers. Philly can be a great, or terrible place to play. Cap room is an issue. Do the Blue Jackets want to deal with Holmgren again?

Prediction: There will be lots of rumors, but I don't think it's what the Flyers need.

Boston Bruins[/u]

Pros: Cup champions, can throw Tuuka Rask and Tyler Seguin on the table. In the other conference. Nash would be a perfect fit there. Some exciting young defensemen that can also be thrown into the mix, namely Dougie Hamilton. Cap space en masse.

Cons: They don't really "need" Nash per se. Thomas is getting up there, and with Rask and Seguin they can be contenders for years to come, with or without Nash.

Prediction: Darkhorse contender for Nash.

Who else should be in the mix? Toronto will bluster of course, but I don't really see them having any of the necessary requirements. Nashville and St. Louis have the goalies and the prospects, but they are both in the same division as Columbus, never-mind Conference. Pittsburgh? I'm sure Nash himself would love to go there, but do they have any horses left to trade? Anybody else?

[Doc Holliday]

Personally I think the Kings are a strong contender but not for Nash, for Carter. Carter isn't happy in Columbus anymore than Nash is and I strongly doubt that their GM is thinking of rebuilding his franchise on the back on an unhappy player and his best buddy who's not necessarely having a good season either. LA on the other hand already has a strong line with Kopitar and Brown so reuniting Carter/Richards as a second duo is more tempting since they wouldn't necessarely be the main/only offensive tandem of the franchise. Columbus should get their #1 goalie in that trade.

So that leaves the "must get a goalie" bit out of the equation for Nash which IMO leaves the door wide open for the Rangers.

So my wild prediction is Carter in LA and Nash in NY