The Value of Nash

by Moshe52792 on Feb 15, 2012 3:51 PM EST

Hi everyone!

I'm an active member at Blueshirt Banter (NYR SB Nation site), and due to recent discussion on the site I wanted to ask you guys, taking fan bias out of it as much as possible, how valuable Rick Nash really is?

On Blueshirt Banter we have seen proposals ranging anywhere from Dubinsky, a 2nd, and an average prospect to Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonagh, Chris Kreider, and a 1st overall pick.

For conveince purposes:

Dubinsky is a great two-way player that hits, blocks shots, fights, penalty kills, and wins faceoffs. Last season he put up 56 points, but a bad stretch to start the season has him on pace for 40 points (Despite strong production over the last handful of games.
McDonagh has been playing top pair minutes all year, has a stat line of 6-15-21, and has a +/- of 24. The guy is quickly approaching all-star status.
Kreider is currently our best prospect, is 6'3", 225 pounds, and at 20 years old is putting up over a PPG at Boston College.
First Round Pick - Most likely between picks 20-32

I think the issue here is that because he is the face of the franchise, CBJ management and fans will value him more-so than a player of similar contribution. An example of this would be comparing him to Jeff Carter. Advanced statistics show how similar they are in terms of production, but I would imagine Nash means much more to you guys.

So an honest question from fan to fan. If our positions were switched, and you guys were Ranger fans, would you be willing to give that up for Rick Nash?

All responses are appreciated. Thank you.

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Here's the problem...

It’s really not up to us, or else we more than likely wouldn’t be trading him.

Rick Nash is a bona-fide superstar. He has carried this franchise on his shoulders in his time here. He is as consistent as they come, over the past 4 years, he has never played fewer than 75 games, and has never finished with fewer than 30 goals.

Keep in mind that production has gone on with no supporting talent around him, and he makes the players around him better. Brassard and Voracek had career years, because they were on a line with Nash.

Looking straight at his stats, and juding his salary-goals ratio, etc., is not the proper evaluation. His talent far exceeds his stats, he’s just been playing without any other elite talent around him. The Carter acquisition was poor oversight on behalf of our General Manager, who failed to see that placing to “shoot-first” type players together would hamper chemistry. Nash has a great shot, a big body, and good stick handling skills. He plays good defense, I believe he is in the top 10 in the league in takeaways. A full season with an elite playmaker could easily see his production increase from being a 35 goal guy to a 40-50 goal guy. He’s certainly got the talent.

Another part of his value stems from his off the ice character. He’s a class act. The gets criticized for his quiet nature, some CBJ fans want a more vocal, firebrand type to wear the Captains “C.” That aside, this is his team, he chose to sign here long term, he has stated numerous times that he loves Columbus, and wants to be here. That’s one of the reasons I can’t believe the organization is trading him. That said, he’s also called captaining the team this year one of the biggest challenges of his career, and wants to win. He would be a far cry from “locker room poison” as I’ve heard some other people say.

Nash is an extremely valuable asset, and he’s a player who can change the balance of power. Whichever team acquires him, be it Vancouver, New York, or another squad, will go from being a contender, to the favorite to win the Cup.

Whatever that is worth, is up for the GM’s to hash out. Personally, I don’t think the Jackets will get enough in return to make the trade a positive for Columbus.

by Josh Owen on Feb 15, 2012 11:47 PM EST reply actions

Thank you for the response. You make a lot of great points, and I can absolutely understand what players bring to the game other than stats.

My only worry is that history tells us that when great players (Gaborik, Kovalchuk, etc.) go from struggling teams to better teams, their production tends to drop initially and climb back up to match previous levels. It is a rare circumstance when production actually increases.

I suppose its a difficult position to be in, and that’s why I doubt any trade goes through. To other fans, he’s a great player, but one being overpaid ($7.8 million) for his statistical production. (~70 points). To people who have seen him play and watched him grow, they understand all the extra intangibles he brings that constitute his monetary value.

Speaking of Carter, what’s are your thoughts on his value? For other teams, they may look at his cap hit and think of him as a great addition with a very manageable contract. Considering his play this year, and if he’s traded its Howson’s choice, I don’t think you guys get back what you gave up to get him. Close, but probably something not as valuable. Perhaps a 1st rounder, a 2nd rounder, and a strong prospect, or some equivalent?

"Mr. Madison, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul."

LET'S GO RANGERS!!!

by Moshe52792 on Feb 16, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions

Hmm… this inspired me for a blog post… one moment.

Editor for The Cannon -- A Columbus Blue Jackets Blog
Follow me on Twitter - @andynewman

by Andy Newman on Feb 16, 2012 11:44 AM EST reply actions

http://www.jacketscannon.com/2012/2/16/2802455/2012-nhl-trade-deadline-rick-nashs-trade-value

Editor for The Cannon -- A Columbus Blue Jackets Blog
Follow me on Twitter - @andynewman

by Andy Newman on Feb 16, 2012 12:15 PM EST up reply actions

philly deal for nash

“As for the asking price for a player of Nash’s caliber? Probably Sean Couturier and Brayden Schenn," Panaccio wrote. "But … it may be something else. It may be James van Riemsdyk, another player, plus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky…. i would like to have couturier,schenn bobovsky,riemsdky and a first round pick for nash

by JESSANDMUNKY on Feb 19, 2012 5:32 PM EST reply actions

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