Ranger Rick? Rick Nash Rumored to be on The Block

Added by Dante Vassallo on February 15, 2012.

Rick Nash rumors are running rampant right now.  Many believe he could be moved as soon as today. Are the Rangers in the mix?  Should they be?  What should they be willing to give up to acquire the superstar caliber wing?

The Rangers have to have at least made a phone call here, and Columbus General Manager, Scott Howson has been scouting the Rangers.  There is definitely smoke here.

Nash is a prototypical power forward who consistently puts up points on a bad Blue Jackets club. He could add some much needed top line offensive firepower and be a major catalyst on the struggling powerplay – the three PPG in Philly not withstanding.

While there is no denying that Nash is an absolute beast, I’m not sure I would want the Rangers to take away from the chemistry of this team right now.  The rumored asking price is Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider, and a first-round pick. 

While Dubinsky’s struggles this season have been well-documented, he has been better of late. Kreider is as close to an untouchable as a top prospect can be. I would not like to see either of these players moved, but you don’t get a player of Rick Nash’s ability for anything less. 

While I would love to see Nash on Broadway, I would prefer to see a deal of this nature go down over the summer.  The Rangers are playing such great hockey right now, and removing a critical roster player like Dubinsky could have a negative impact on what looks like a very deep upcoming playoff run. 

There is no guarantee Nash will mesh with Tortorella’s style or fit with any of the current lines well enough to risk ruining what the Rangers have created this season.  I say pass.