Is Nashville closing in on Rick Nash?

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Rick Nash (61) and Matt Calvert (11)  (Chris Russell/Dispatch Photo)

A former NHL Scout for the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes (I am unable to verify) is stating that the Nashville Predators are very close to landing pending UFA, Rick Nash.

This is the nature of trade rumors and the NHL trade deadline which is basically Hockey National Enquirer on steroids.

However, Nashville has been the most widely rumored team to land Rick Nash for a Stanley Cup run. Columbus’ urgency to add a winger after losing Nick Foligno to injury (out 1-2 weeks) may be pushing Nashville also.

The Blue Jackets are in a precarious spot, as they sit 1 point out of the wild card this morning. Throw in the familiarity the Blue Jackets have with their former captain and John Tortorella’s admiration for the complete player Nash is, and they shouldn’t be dismissed.

Realistic Return

Yesterday, Bob McKenzie said on TSN radio that there are too many sellers and not enough buyers for rentals. While last year Arizona was able to land a 1st and a 2nd for Martin Hanzal, that may not happen this year.

Elliotte Friedman mentioned in one of his columns that Nashville’s Eeli Tolvanen could be used to acquire Nash from the Rangers but that is becoming less likely as he leads the Olympics in scoring.

At this point, if the Rangers can get Nashville or Columbus’ 1st round pick along with a prospect they should make the deal. Nashville plays tonight in Detroit and the Rangers don’t play until Thursday against Montreal, so if a deal for Nash happens before the deadline it looks like either today or tomorrow.

By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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