2012 NHL Trade Deadline: The Only Rick Nash Trade I Could Handle
by Mike MacLean on Feb 15, 2012 12:24 PM EST
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Yesterday was an emotional day for fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and it had nothing to do with Valentine's Day. Yesterday was the first time that media and fans really entertained the idea of trading Rick Nash. Twitter, media outlets like TSN and Sportsnet here in Canada, and multiple blogs across all networks were buzzing with discussion regarding the Jackets moving their captain and face of the franchise.
There were trade proposals being tossed around left, right and center. The bigger outlets reported and speculated on a short list of teams that Nash was asked to provide the club. Some fans announced their displeasure with the idea of trading the big winger. Others countered with their approval of the idea. All speculation, but it sure shined a light on Columbus for the time being.
You can put me firmly in the camp that believes that when it comes to trades, the team that receives the best player in the deal almost always ends up "winning" the deal. It will be very difficult for General Manager Scott Howson to acquire equal or better talent in return for Nash.
Trade value aside, there's the impact that trading the team captain and face of the franchise could have on the fanbase. At a time when they have little to be happy about, what kind of message does that send to the fans of the team? Nash has been the team's best player for the better part of a decade, and is arguably the only known quantity among the fringe fans that the Jackets are trying so hard to draw to the rink.
Understandably, Howson has to do what is best for the future of the team. If trading Nash will help the team become a perennial playoff threat, so be it. That said, there is only one trade scenario that I could stomach. It fills a huge organizational need, and would provide the team with hope for the future.
It's no secret that the Jackets need to improve their goaltending. Free agency is not the way to go. One look at the free agent lists is enough to make you cringe. Very few teams have a goaltender on their roster they could trade, with another waiting in the wings to take over.
One of those teams however, is the Vancouver Canucks.
There has been talk the past few seasons that the Canucks will eventually trade one of their goaltenders. With Roberto Luongo and his long-term deal making him difficult to trade, Schneider is the most likely to be dealt. From a Columbus perspective, they would likely demand the classic 3P package (player, prospect, pick) in any potential deal. If the Columbus management and scouts determine that Schneider is the answer to their issues in net, Vancouver has the assets that could get a Nash to Vancouver deal done.
Right off the bat, in return for Nash the Jackets will want Schneider. The Canucks would likely counter with Luongo, but Howson knows better to take on that contract. The Jackets would love to add a high-end defense prospect in the deal, but the fact is the Canucks don't really possess any. Instead, the Jackets target one of Cody Hodgson or 2011 first rounder Nicklas Jensen, who is currently playing with Columbus prospect Boone Jenner for Oshawa of the OHL. Vancouver's 2012 first round pick is an obvious inclusion, but given the Canucks place in the standings, the pick will likely be in the 20-30 range of the first round.
Now, let's talk dollars. The Canucks are right at the cap. To make this thing work, the Canucks would need to send some salary back Columbus' way. I see two scenarios right off the bat. In addition to Schneider and Hodgson, the Canucks can ship impending free agents Mason Raymond and Sami Salo in the deal, who have a combined cap hit of $4.55 million. Alternatively, and of more use to the Jackets, the Canucks could deal defenseman Keith Ballard, who carries a $4.2 million cap hit. Let's summarize the two scenarios:
Scenario 1:
| PLAYER | CAP HIT (MIL) |
| Schneider | 0.9 |
| Hodgson | 1.67 |
| Raymond | 2.55 |
| Salo | 2.0 |
| TOTAL | 7.12 |
Scenario 2:
| PLAYER | CAP HIT (MIL) |
| Schneider | 0.9 |
| Hodgson | 1.67 |
| Ballard | 4.2 |
| TOTAL | 6.77 |
All number are courtesy of Cap Geek.
Nash has a cap hit of $7.8 million. The dollars don't match exactly, so the Canucks would likely have to get creative, whether' it's via another trade or with internal shuffling to make up the difference of Nash's cap hit.
Personally, I like the idea of the team getting Ballard in the deal. He's a top-four defenseman (another organizational need) to go along with Schneider, Hodgson, and the first rounder. If Hodgson isn't the prospect/young player in the deal, and it's a guy like Jensen, more creativity is needed in terms of making the dollars work. That said, I believe that Canucks would have little trouble getting the necessary cap room if it meant acquiring a player of Nash's caliber.
This is all speculation of course, but my point is, a Nash trade is not a good thing for the franchise unless they can get help in goal and on defense right away, along with acquiring young talent to help add to the future core. A deal that would see Nash traded to Vancouver for Schneider, Hodgson or Jensen, Ballard and a first round pick would still hurt, but I could at least feel good about the team's future.
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The Canucks would likely counter with Luongo, but Howson knows better to take on that contract.
Does he? Are we sure about that? Can we get it in writing?
Writer for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog
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"I will say anything to be funny, often in the most horrible situations, which is one reason [a] good [woman] so far [has] been very sorry on occasion to have married me." --Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Haha, I mean he must know better, right? Right?
Follow me on Twitter! Mike MacLean
Manager of The Cannon, a Columbus Blue Jackets Blog
by Mike MacLean on Feb 15, 2012 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
All of this said...
…it is the main reason why some of the rumors leave me scratching my head. The Rangers rumors, for example, have NO defensemen or goalies coming back. Why on earth would the Jackets want to do that??
Writer for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog
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"I will say anything to be funny, often in the most horrible situations, which is one reason [a] good [woman] so far [has] been very sorry on occasion to have married me." --Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
The rangers rumor of Dubinsky, krieder, and a 1st, that wouldn’t be the whole package. That’s the framework, there’d be more players around that
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
I wouldn’t hold my breath on Mcd, or MDZ coming to town. The Rangers are not going to dig that deep off their current roster in order to pick up Nash. I honestly think if Nash isn’t traded in the next 5-7 days it isn’t going to happen until the draft….if at all. But I don’t see him going to NYR either way. Nash is a pretty good player, but that cap hit and length of years makes him a tough sell to any team.
He’s not a tough sell – teams are after him. This isn’t a salary dump, this is a superstar player on the block and teams are going to be after him.
Rediculous to think the Rangers, with Staal, Girardi, Del Zotto, Sauer, McIlrath, Erixon, wouldn’t consider parting with McD for RICK NASH.
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 5:38 PM EST up reply actions
It’s ridiculous to think they will part with Mcd or MDZ , Dubi. Kreider and a 1st rounder for a 7.8 cap hit and a guy little playoff experience. Sorry, I said Nash is a pretty good player. But there is about ONE player in the NHL worth that, and his name is Stamkos. Maybe you could throw out Erixon in that trade, but again….that price is a little too high. Columbus isn’t really in the driver seat if it comes down to NYR trade. Sather sucks when it comes to signing, but a genius when it comes to trading.
If the Rangers seriously want Rick Nash, then they’ll actually deal out a huge return that they don’t like. Despite your contention about playoff experience and a cap hit, Rick Nash would instantly become the best skater on the Rangers, especially paired with Richards.
This is Rick Nash we’re talking about. Scott Howson does not have the option to get underpayment for him.
CCT, CBJ, SU, NYM, Bills Fan. It can be depressing.
Sometimes I tweet things
bq.Rick Nash would instantly become the best skater on the Rangers, especially paired with Richards.bq. Thats what they said about Gaborik /Richards., Today they don’t even play on the same line and haven’t all season.
Gaboriks chemsity with Richards has literally nothing to do with Nash.
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 6:04 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, trades and free agent signings are gambles and not guarantees.
In other news, water is wet.
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
LOL. Then Why are you saying it has nothing to do with Gaborik? What does that have to do with the price of milk? I was just stating that MOST people thought BR and Gaborik would put up insane numbers together. I was answering zekebud about Nash automatically jelling with BR. There are no automatics. It just seems you cannot even follow conversation at all.
There are no automatics. We have learned that Nash isnt great at working with others. He didnt do a great job with Carter, thats for sure.
IF Nash were traded to the Rangers, which i doubt, he would need to learn how to play a team game. If he were able to do that, I think he would mesh perfectly with Richards.
But like you said, no guarantees.
I honestly think he stay until the draft, If not permanent. I think generally that Columbus has better options outside of NY.
I think he definately gets dealt, but I certainly wouldnt be surprised to see it carry until the draft. Especially because Howson also has another big name that is likely to be traded withing the next 12 days: Jeff Carter.
And a lot of what we get back from him will determine what we ask for Nash.
If you think nash is just “pretty good” you clearly dont understand hockey.
is Gaboriks limited playoff experience with the Wild hurting you guys?
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 5:53 PM EST up reply actions
When I say “Pretty good” I take his numbers and cap hit into consideration. 79 points as a career high does not=7.8 cap hit per year. Look around the NHL, Stamkos 7.5, Sedins 6.1 each, Crosby Malkin 8.7 each. Nash is NOT in this same category. Nash is not going from a 60-70 point per season guy to a 80-100pt per season guy in NY with that system/style of play.
So if you think 7.8 is a good cap hit for a 60-70 guy, I’m not sure you understand hockey or business. Why take that hit when Parise is more than likely a ufa after this season and will probably around the same hit? That cost nothing but money.
If you don’t think the rangers should be interested, then take it up with Glenn Sather, not jackets fans. The rangers expressed interest and are having discussions about it, so it is a realistic thing to speculate about
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
It is realistic, However, Other than right here I haven’t heard that amount going back the Jackets way in any trade scenario.. Like I said in the very 1st post above, I don’t see Nash heading toward Broadway at all. I Don’t see Sather screwing with the roster that much at this point. I’m not "taking up anything " really. I’m just saying that kind of return is more than likely not happening.
The return would be somewhere in between what we want, and what you want. Probably a tad bit more what we want since we have the leverage.
The deal would include Dubinsky and Kreider. I would think Sather and Howson would then go from there. Where they go? Who knows. I dont think they go far after that because of cap reasons and that the Rangers are lighting it up right now.
FWIW
Dreger just said on TSN radio that its “50/50 traded by deadline, 90/10 he is traded by next season”
So I guess what it comes down to is if we do it by deadline or not
Could you imagine a top 6 with the 2 Sedins on one line and Kesler/Nash on the second…That would be my new favorite team if it wasn’t for those pesky 10 pm starts.
If we do take Schnieder from them you would have to think we would have to send a goalie back, and with the Sandman hurt and Mason’s SMALL contract I don’t see how it would work for the Canucks, unless they have another backup goalie in the farm.
by Ryan Sheets on Feb 15, 2012 2:45 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Schneider is an RFA. Why not just offer sheet him?
I don’t see why he’d bother resigning to be Van’s backup this summer when other teams would be willing to commit more money and term to him to make him their starter. Seems Van has to trade him this summer unless they find a taker for Lou.
It’s like Varlomov/Neuvirth in Wash, Price/Halak in Mont, or Neimi/Crawford in Chicago. Can’t keep two goalies. LA and VAN are going to need to decided which of their goalies they are committed to and move the other, and we can pounce then.
For now, get the best prospects and young guys we can for Nash and pounce on one of those tow ( or Bob) later when those teams inevitably have to move their extra goalie
It’s like Varlomov/Neuvirth in Wash, Price/Halak in Mont, or Neimi/Crawford in Chicago
Varlamov wanted out or he was going to the KHL since he wasnt getting enough playing time and Niemi won in arbitration and Chicago couldnt afford him after winning the Cup.
However, I can see it being like Montreal in a way. Luongo is a lot like Price because you werent exactly sure what you were gonna get. Price was unproven but had a ton of potential and had showed it before. Luongo is still being held out of games such as Boston and Chicago so that his ego doesnt get hurt.
What i take out of the Schneider/ Luongo situation is that I would be shocked if Schneider wants to stay there too much longer. Hes not stupid. He knows Luongo is there making big bucks for many years to come. I would assume he wants the be “the guy” within a few years since he knows he can be that goalie.
Which makes the situation like Halak/Price as Vancouver knows that its one or the other. And with the Luongo contract, it wont be Luongo going. Hopefully
Bottom line: two headed monster situations in goal are not sustainable long term. The goalies we are after (schneider, Bernier) will need to be moved this year or next anyway.
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 5:41 PM EST up reply actions
No guarantee Schneider and or Bernier end up better than Mason. Can’t risk giving up Nash for an unproven young goalie. Carter, yes, but for Nash we need to ensure we get a big package of as close to siderite young talent as we can get
Not sure I agree
Mason is only a few months older than Bernier, but Bernier has much, much more development time put in than Mason, and honestly has a better pedigree.
Bernier was a 1st rounder, and spent two full seasons in the AHL before coming to the NHL to be a backup for two years. Mason never got that development time in the AHL. Mason has played all of three AHL games in his career.
As for Schneider, he played three years at Boston College, three years in the AHL, and has been a backup in the NHL for two years. He’s got that same development track as Bernier. He also has a better pedigree, being a first round pick as well.
Mason’s developmental faults may not all be his own, but to say that Bernier and Schneider may not end up better than him… I just don’t buy it. They’re both better goalies than Mason is right now, and we have every reason to believe they can get better as they’ve put the time in to develop properly. Mason’s confidence is shot, and he’s pretty much reached his ceiling, IMHO.
Writer for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog
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"I will say anything to be funny, often in the most horrible situations, which is one reason [a] good [woman] so far [has] been very sorry on occasion to have married me." --Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
And folks, those two scenarios are how you develop goalies. Too bad we didnt do that with Mason. We probably wouldnt be in this big mess.
Well
Mason took the job and ran with it, and got the team to the playoffs. How do you send him back to the AHL after that? Now, in 2010, they probably should have, but that water is over the dam.
Writer for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog
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"I will say anything to be funny, often in the most horrible situations, which is one reason [a] good [woman] so far [has] been very sorry on occasion to have married me." --Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Agree we should be after those goalies. They have shown talent, have been developed and seem to have the pedigree.
That doesnt guarantee they’ll work out though.
If we get a 1st, kreider,dubisnky, another piece or two, even if the guy we draft or one of the prospects doesnt pan out we should be left with 2 building blocks…my worry is if Nash goes in a deal where the centerpiece is a goalie, and that goalie doesnt work out, it’s the biggest trade disaster ever.
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 5:47 PM EST up reply actions
Tanev is a pretty good young defensemen for the Canucks. Maybe he gets thrown in there somewhere.
IMO, a trade with the Canucks for Nash would basically mean that they dont feel like they have the assets for a Cup run. Or rather the chemistry in the room for a run like the NYR do. Moving four players for one would be a big change, and i dont think they do that unless they feel like the chemistry is not quite there.
Good Lord
Luongo is the best goaltender in the league in regards to career save %. He is the team leader in wins, and , apart from the Cup last year, has done everything asked of him in this demanding market.
And you guys treat him like a throw in? He is the better goalie. I love Schneider. He also has about 1/10th the wins.
You would get Schneider, not Luongoi. Period. The way folks ( especially fans of a team that took on Carter’s deal and are now trying to get him gone ) talk about a contract that gives you the statistically best goalie in the league, in the middle of a fantastic season…tied up at the 8th highest Cap hit for a goalie in the league is funny as all get out kids.
And you don’t get Hodgson either, I hope. Jensen is the coach’s fave, so I doubt him too.
You can have several others of the prospects and Schneider, perhaps a Schroeder and Rodin…but if you want the best young goalie in the NHL, he has more value than getting our Calder candidate too.
Sorry folks.
Nuck’s Misconduct Bishop, 1st United Church of Luongod. "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." Gandhi. I think he was a Canucks fan...
@Vancitydan Writer at Nucks Misconduct
I’m in agreement with you here. Luongo is clearly one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. Unfortunately, popular punditry would suggest that his perceived weakness in the postseason or under pressure has somehow made the Canucks interested in moving him. It’s a daft sentiment, but one that is echoed by national media every time the playoffs roll around.
Of course there’s no way Luongo is moving. While his contract may not be visually appealing and it may be problematic in another 4-5 years, he does a damn fine job earning his pay right now. There is hardly a more consistently excellent long-term goalie in the league. If we were having this discussion toward the twilight of Luongo’s career, then perhaps he’d be discussed in a trade… but then he wouldn’t be targeted by the Blue Jackets anyway. If the Jackets do deal with Vancouver, Schneider is in the trade or there’s nothing happening at all.
CCT, CBJ, SU, NYM, Bills Fan. It can be depressing.
Sometimes I tweet things
It’s not “perceived” weaknesses his playoff implosions are very well documented.
That’s not to say he isn’t an outstanding regular season goalie. But he has nothing to do with the rebuilding Jackets.
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 5:59 PM EST up reply actions
His .917 SV% in the playoffs is just fine. And realistically, that would be must higher if not for his (or rather, the team’s) weakness versus Chicago in the past.
CCT, CBJ, SU, NYM, Bills Fan. It can be depressing.
Sometimes I tweet things
Did you see him get lit up and pulled against the Bruins? And the Hawks?
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 6:06 PM EST up reply actions
Honestly zeke, its hard to argue that he is a great goalie in the playoffs. I know that you have heard all the Chelsea Dagger jokes about Luongo out there. He simply has trouble in that building.
Actually, its not that he is bad in the playoffs, he just has trouble in the big situations in the playoffs on the road. Such as Chicago and now Boston.
So tired of these you won’t get so and so posts.
No one knows who is coming the other way in a deal until it happens.
if, and its a pretty big IF, Vancouver did trade for, it wouldn’t be for Schneider, Rome, and Malhotra. Whoever lands Nash will send some young “name” guys the other way.
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 6:01 PM EST up reply actions
Haha….I wouldn’t mind getting Manny back. I always like Malhotra, he’s a great checking center.
I agree with you though, if Nash gets traded, the return has got to be huge. It’s got to be a package of young players and picks that justify it.
I am tired of the “you won’t get our prospect” posts as well. Aquiring Nash will elevate whichever team from a contender to the clear favorite to win the Cup.
Exactly…I just don’t get the arrogance of these fans who act like they are doing us a favor by taking Nash’s contract. He’s an elite star in this league who will command a big return.
Prospects and picks are all risk and Nash is an established elite player in his prime. To say he’s not worth a guy who has yet to play in the NHL is insane
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
I dont think anyone is discounting that he is not a great goalie. I dont think anyone would ever, ever consider a throw in.
But the reason that he talked about in the way he is in this situation is because of his contract. Every CBJ fan knows that it would not make sense to trade for an aging goalie with his crazy contract in the situation we are in.
So basically the hate towards Luongo is not because he is bad, just that we would rather have Schneider in our situation.
Which obviously you sound quite fine with haha.
And if your not even willing to give up Schneider and Hodgson for Nash, there is zero chance he would be a Canuck. You have to give to get.
Exactly. No one is knocking Luongo. IMHO the accusations about him choking in the playoffs are misguided. He misplayed a few pucks in situations that wound up being HUGE last year. Still, you can’t ride a goaltender all the way to Game 7 of the Finals, oh so close to winning the Cup, and then turn on him. He did shut the B’s out twice.
i say we throw in the fox sports ohio girls to sweeten the deal
they are really hot an im sure hold some value. natalie taylor is off limits though
They better stay away from our sexy Sid the Sloth…
by Ryan Sheets on Feb 15, 2012 6:55 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Throw in Boomer. They can dig that costume out of the storage closet in Nationwide, and ship it off wherever Nash goes.
Surely he would have made this depressing season more hilarious
CCT, CBJ, SU, NYM, Bills Fan. It can be depressing.
Sometimes I tweet things
Thank you for sharing this picture. Boomer just makes me laugh every time I see him. Everything about him is so wrong that it almost makes it right. We all know about the obvious jokes of course, but can you imagine being approached by this “thing” as a little kid. I would have to spend the rest of my life in therapy I think. I would love to meet the PR guys that came up with this design. That round table discussion would have been hilarious to listen too. How about…Oh I know, let’s make him look like an angry looking German phallic symbol with lederhosen – brilliant! And what is that salute? A bit too 1930s I think… Just plain wrong.
I would trade natalie in a heart beat. The first time I crossed paths with her in the locker room it made me want to punch her in the throat.
Writer for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog
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"I will say anything to be funny, often in the most horrible situations, which is one reason [a] good [woman] so far [has] been very sorry on occasion to have married me." --Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Haha, too bubbly?
Follow me on Twitter! Mike MacLean
Manager of The Cannon, a Columbus Blue Jackets Blog
by Mike MacLean on Feb 16, 2012 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
Well, there is the fact that I find her WAAAYYY too game-show-hosty, but that’s beside the point. Gather ‘round, kiddies, it’s time for DP’s Locker Room Story Time.
Wait, that sounds wrong. At any rate…
The last game I did press for before the baby arrived was the final minute meltdown against Nashville in early December. She, of course, was out in the hallway doing the FSOhio post-game interview, so she came into the room late.
After losses—especially losses like that—the room is a ghost town, and you have to ask the PR team to physically go and get players to come out and talk. Umberger was one of the few guys in the room at his locker willing to talk.
As you can probably imagine, when a guy is standing in front of his locker, there’s only about 180-degrees of space (half circle around the player). There are no less than 10-12 people crowding around RJ to do the scrum/interview. As you might guess, 10-12 full-grown adults, many with hand-held recorders, and some with full-on TV cameras (network guys) crowding around one player can get a bit crowded.
To a fault, everyone I’ve met in the media is more than courteous. We all make space for one another, we make sure our recorders aren’t blocking other people and/or camera shots. Add in camera cords on the floor, and it’s a very tight situation. As I said, everyone is more than accommodating, making sure that everyone has a chance to get their questions in and get their audio.
In this case, RJ was changing out of his gear, and everyone was giving him the space and time to do so; the team had just lost in gut-wrenching fashion, and post-game interviews in the room tend to take on the spirit of the game that’s just finished.
As I mentioned, I find Natalie to be a bit too game-show-hosty with her post-game questions, but that’s not really the point. She has her job to do, I have mine, and who am I to say she’s doing it wrong?
My problem with her is that our huge scrum was circled around RJ. We’re all scrambling to find space, to be courteous and accommodating to one another, and to get an interview with a player after what has to be the worst loss of the season that point.
I’m NOT exaggerating when I say that when she came in (again, late, because she was out in the hallway interviewing whomever for the FSOhio post-game show), she literally arm-barred me and shoved me out of the way to get her microphone in front of RJ. Now, in fairness, I’m a large man (6’3", around 190) and she’s tiny. But still, it’s not hard to tap someone on the shoulder, give the unspoken nod of “can you let me in a bit?” I gladly would have made room for her.
But no, she needed to shove me out of the way to get her space and to ask some inane question about “how do you bounce back from a game like this?”
And that is why I wanted to punch her in the throat.
Writer for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog
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"I will say anything to be funny, often in the most horrible situations, which is one reason [a] good [woman] so far [has] been very sorry on occasion to have married me." --Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
by Dan P. on Feb 16, 2012 5:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I didn’t exactly want to laugh at this… and then you had to put the last line. I’m sorry about your experience but I’m all kinds of pleased you shared the story haha.
Please share more Story Time in the future.
CCT, CBJ, SU, NYM, Bills Fan. It can be depressing.
Sometimes I tweet things
Luongo won't go
He has to waive his no movement clause, and he won’t do that to go to a rebuilding team. Asking for Hodgson or Jensen in addition to Schneider is very unlikely: Hodgson will be a 70-point player inside two seasons – about the same as Nash – and I doubt Columbus’ GM will take a player (Jensen) based only on potential. The most likely forward to move would be Raymond, who’s still prone to scoring streaks but is amazingly fast.
Vancouver’s defense is very deep, however; Ballard can certainly get moved (he lacks a no-trade clause), but the two NHL-ready players in the minors (Tanev and Sauve) aren’t exactly offensive powerhouses. Still, assuming Wiesniewski stays put, Tanev is a solid, reliable player and Sauve is a body-mover, so if either of those are needed, those are cheap and young options.
Speculation aside, Schneider isn’t moving until the playoffs are over (and likely not until he’s got a sign-and-swap contract done) unless Howson really is insane. Rick Nash is one of my favourite players, but a Cup run I’m not willing to put at risk.
Flying that Nerd Flag high!
Chris Krieder and Cody Hodgson are both apparently sure thing 80 point players who will both end up being better than Rick Nash. OK.
Or you could read, one or the other.
Hodgson is going to be a 70 point man in two seasons – about the same as Nash. Nash will provide very different points than Hodgson will, as he’s a different kind of player, but asking for both Schneider and Hodgson in addition to pick and prospects is simply too much. Losing huge depth won’t help – and with the salary Nash brings, getting that depth back again is going to be tough.
Don’t think I’m undervaluing what Nash brings: I love international play specifically so I can watch him play more than the two or three national broadcasts we get with the NHL. But neither Hodgson nor Schneider are prospects any more. The points Hodgson is putting up as a rookie is in 13 minutes per game on the third line.
Flying that Nerd Flag high!
if the Canucks don’t want to trade Schneider or Hodgson that’s fine.
But, they’d have to be included in a package for Nash if the Canucks were indeed after him. It’s not asking for too much – it’s exactly what you ask for when trading a star player. You don’t trade a someone the caliber of Rick Nash for Chris Tanev, Mason Raymond, and a pick.
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 8:23 PM EST up reply actions
if teams aren’t willing to give up good young roster players and high end prospects, they don’t have to – but that is what the Jackets will be asking for along with a first rounder
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 15, 2012 8:25 PM EST up reply actions
Hodgson is going to be a 70 point man in two seasons – about the same as Nash.
What brand of crystal ball are you using?
"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway
by notthatnoise on Feb 15, 2012 9:49 PM EST up reply actions
Opposed to Trading Nash - my 2 cents
Im going to take the position that the CBJ shouldnt trade Nash now, or in the off season. First of all, it doesnt sound like Nash wants to be traded, but he has agreed to consider it. Secondly, he is the face of our franchise and has been here since (nearly) the beginning. I agree that we dont have a long history of winning but he has always been classy and a great representative of the CBJ.
Having said all of that, my fundamental reason for thinking that the CBJ should keep him is so he represent our team and city in the 2013 NHL All-Star game next season, right here in Columbus. He would be a great “host”, and deserves this opportunity for all that he has done for us over the past 9 years.
I know this is a sentimental reason that really doesnt up very well against the needs to turn this franchise around, but I ask you to give it some consideration. The only way I can see that trading Rick would be acceptable was if we got a stud goaltender and defenseman, and several very promising young forward prospects. I dont like the idea of taking draft picks since most of the teams we would be trading with are going to have picks that are late in the rounds, and we have a terrible record of identifying and developing draft picks.
Can somebody explain to me why it is in the Jackets best interest to trade Nash? I get that we could get a lot in return, but you are also losing a lot. I just don’t see why they would trade a player in his prime who is locked in to a long term deal.
"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway
Especially because the NTC makes it unlikely we would get his true value in return. The teams on his list know they have leverage.
"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway
by notthatnoise on Feb 15, 2012 9:51 PM EST up reply actions
Because the team is awful, and we don’t have enough pieces around him to win with him while he’s in his prime.
We tried to surround him with talent this year (wiz, Carter, Prospal, Martinek, plus RJ, Vermette, Husekius) and had our worset season ever. A ton of bad luck with injury and suspension, but hard to just call a mulligan and go at it next year with the same roster.
Nash’s value in a trade at age 30 is a lot less then Nash at 27. The time to move him is now if we’re going to.
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 16, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
Nash’s value in a trade at age 30 is a lot less then Nash at 27. The time to move him is now if we’re going to.
This argument is what doesn’t make sense to me. Yes, his value now is at its highest. But why does that mean we should trade him? For instance, the Islanders are bad, but no one is clamoring for Tavares to be traded. You don’t trade guys just because their value is high. There has to be more to it than that, otherwise every bad team would trade their best player every year.
hard to just call a mulligan and go at it next year with the same roster.
Sure, but why does it have to be Nash that’s moved? The explanation I’m hearing is that people want to shake things up for the sake of shaking things up. That’s a terrible reason to trade the best player on your team.
"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools" -Hemingway
by notthatnoise on Feb 16, 2012 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
My guess is it has to do with the mutual respect between the organization and Nash. Nash has too much respect for the fans and Columbus to ask for a trade. If he did, his image would be destroyed. I think the organization realizes that maybe its time to move on for our sake, and for the sake of Rick Nash. Dont make him ask for a trade, as I think we all know he wants to win sometime in his career.
Maybe its for the best to get a fountain of youth here and build from there. As long as the deal coming back can do that, im fine with Nash being moved.
THIS
@notthatnoise
This is what I don’t get. I understand Howson has to do his due diligence and at least listen to see what’s out there. It’s if they decided to take the best offer even if it’s crap just because they feel they have to trade him.
Writer for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog
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"I will say anything to be funny, often in the most horrible situations, which is one reason [a] good [woman] so far [has] been very sorry on occasion to have married me." --Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Um, Tavares is 21. That is an embarrassing attempt at a comparison.
what they’ve done is build a young core around him, which sadly, we never did with Nash.
grabner, Okposo, Bailey, Harmonic, neiderreiter, Parenteau, Neilsen, Hamonic…they have a ton of young talent coming up as Tavares continues to develop into a top player. They may have have been losing, and the oilers may have been losing, but both teams are full of young developing guys getting better each year.
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 16, 2012 5:49 PM EST up reply actions
There is a difference between a team that loses even though it has players in the primes making a ton of money (CBJ) and a team that loses because their players are still young and developing and adjusting to the NHL (Oilers, Isles)
I’d rather miss the playoffs with a team of young guys with potential who are improving and who give us hopemfor the future, then miss the playoffs again with RJ, Nash, Tyutin, Carter, Vermette, Huselius, Pahlsson, etc…
That said, totally love Nash and will be beyond sad to see him go and will be furious if we don’t get a huge ransom for him
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 16, 2012 5:56 PM EST up reply actions
Good discussion in general though. We will all have to wait and see what happens. A top goalie has to come back in return. Bernier or Schneider have to come to Columbus, or the Jackets should hang onto Carter and Nash.
By the way, anyone by their TV, flip it over to NBC Sports network, B’s and Habs game is awesome, tied at 3 in OT
Funny Nash Segment on TSN
I don’t know if you guys can see this outside of Canada, but the TSN guys haven’t made me laugh this hard in a while. Check out this video:
http://watch.tsn.ca/featured/clip620196#clip620196
heres a thought
lets start winning games and give this current roster hope and keep nash here? any chance? were kinda on a roll right now, while cant it continue?
We’re not on a roll, we are absolutely terrible. Beating the Wild and then Blues doesnt suddenly make us good.
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 16, 2012 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
What would you think of Nash going to Boston for Rask? Not sure who else would be in return (up to you).
STILL BELIEVE COLUMBUS
I think a goalie coming back to Columbus in any deal is crucial, so Boston makes sense if Rask is involved. The Jackets would also need the first round pick (if it’s Boston’s, it may as well be a second rounder…) and also Dougie Hamilton and/or Jordan Caron. Where i see things falling apart is with the cap- the B’s have a little over 2mil available (according to capgeek) so a contract or two would have to come back to Columbus, but who would they send?
Follow me on Twitter! Mike MacLean
Manager of The Cannon, a Columbus Blue Jackets Blog
by Mike MacLean on Feb 16, 2012 7:22 AM EST up reply actions
They could put Horton on LTIR maybe, but anyone who is dealing for Nash will need to send at least one decent size contract back for their own sake.
For the Rangers, that’d be Dubinsky, for the Bruins, my guess would is they would send back Krejci who is going to carry a 5.2 hit after this season since they have Seguin and Bergeron. or they could just send back Horton who is who Nash is basically replacing.
Who wants Caron when we could get Scott’s nephew Jamie Arniel? :-)
Rask, Hamilton, Krejci, 1st
by Re-SignZherdev on Feb 16, 2012 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
Bruins would be foolish to trade Rask. He is there future goalie. TT won’t last that much longer. With Rask, the Bruins are poised to be Cup contenders for many years. Without him they will have a huge gap in net soon
by cbjfan14 on Feb 16, 2012 11:13 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
As a Canuck fan I have to say. I agree that the Canucks have the pieces that the Jackets would want for Nash. However this trade isn’t going down for two reasons.
1. The Canucks are looking to add depth on D not give it up. Nash is barely outscoring Hodgson (despite him playing on the 4th line) and with the other players we’d be giving up how much better would the Canucks get?
2. Vancouver is full of teams that took home town discounts to stay. This is why the team is good. How can you bring in a guy that makes over 2 million more / year than the Sedins without pissing people off?
@ #2
Here’s how. Think you could have used this against Tim Thomas in the Finals?
http://youtu.be/MfUIOBaH4zQ
Writer for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets blog
Follow me on Twitter
"I will say anything to be funny, often in the most horrible situations, which is one reason [a] good [woman] so far [has] been very sorry on occasion to have married me." --Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
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