TSN’s Frank Seravalli released an update to his Trade Bait board, and Rick Nash has taken over the top spot. Evander Kane had been there for the entire season, but with the New York Rangers obvious position as sellers, Nash has become the prize of the trade deadline. Seravalli reports that more than ten teams have spoken to the Rangers about Nash since they published their letter to fans about a rebuild, including Nashville, Dallas, Winnipeg, Boston and San Jose. While obviously a passing interest doesn’t mean a deal is incoming, it’s important to note that Nash’s market doesn’t seem limited as we stand just over a week until the deadline.
The Rangers have other rental options in Michael Grabner, Nick Holden and David Desharnais, but Nash remains the jewel of their pending free agents. Even with his declining offensive numbers, teams likely still see him as a valuable addition to their middle-six that can help on both the powerplay and penalty kill. Nashville has been reported as the leaders in the pursuit, though it is still yet to be seen whether they’ll meet the Rangers high asking price. If the acquiring cost drops in the coming days to a point where the Predators are comfortable, you can bet other teams will jump into the fray with their own offers.
At 33 years old, Nash isn’t the 40-goal man of his youth. With just 27 points on the season he is currently putting up the lowest per-game offensive output of his career, but still has 17 goals and is a positive possession player. Though his cap hit is hefty, the Rangers are likely willing to retain some of it to facilitate a trade, and maximize their return. Seravalli reports that no team he’s talked to is willing to include a first-round pick in a package for Kane, which could greatly reduce the market for Nash. The two players’ future could be tied together over the next few weeks, as teams try to match acquisitions made by their rivals.
I don’t see Nash as this big prize. I would think someone with Speed (Grabner) or Kane would have more value in a playoff run. Nash is a shell of his former self.
It’s Nash’s ability to play anywhere in the lineup and his locker room presence to be honest. Nash can slide between all 4 of a team’s lines and probably not have a big issue with it. A guy like Kane, who would be a top six winger, would probably have an issue if he was forced to play on a bottom six line. Chemistry is also a big part. Front offices are wary of messing with their team’s chemistry so they are more likely to chase guys who they feel would fit in quickly/well rather than guys who might present an issue down the line (such as Evander Kane who has a history of locker room issues).
The other options (like Grabner) aren’t drawing as much interest yet because teams probably don’t view him as a true impact piece. He’s a good player to have but he’s probably not viewed as the final piece of the puzzle for a playoff team. While Nash probably shouldn’t be considered a final piece of the puzzle either, his track record suggests that he could be. I doubt teams are seriously considering parting with a big/significant package for Nash and their interest probably has more to do with hoping a change in scenery might help him rediscover his old self.
Rick Nash is worth a second round pick.
Anyone who thinks otherwise will probably be bounced in the first round of the playoffs.
Which still feels like a slight overpay. On the high end, I could see a second round pick and a mid-level prospect/a late round pick. As a Rangers fan I’d settle for a third rounder and a mid-level prospect/another mid-round pick. Nash still has the ability to contribute at a good level, but he’s definitely not worth a first round pick and top prospect/young, NHL ready skater.
People don’t give Nash enough credit. If you’ve watched him play at all this year you’d see he just can’t get lucky bounces like he has in the past. He’s a great big presence in front of the net. He’s more valuable than Grabner because even though he has more goals than Nash he has 7 empty net goals.
will be the 2nd best Nash ever to play his home games in the AAC!
The Leafs are still in the mix for a 4th Line Center and Nash could easily fit the bill. And with Leafs trading Soshnikov today, they’ve freed up a contract.
Nash is a wing though. He’s taken a couple face offs this year likely due to his C being kicked out of the dot and his percentage is atrocious.
Even if Nash fit that bill, which he doesn’t, they don’t need to make a big splash for a 4th line center. Their top 3 centers are Matthews, Kadri, and Bozak. Their 4th line center is Moore who is serviceable enough. While its nice to have, you don’t need your 4th line guys to be big time offensive contributors. Most of the time you just want guys who are solid defensively and can play on the PK. Nash fits that description, but his cap hit and trade cost is too expensive for a fourth liner.