Nash dealt to Rangers in blockbuster
Rick Nash finally received his wish, with Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson announcing the forward was traded to the Rangers.
Columbus received forwards Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov, defenseman Tim Erixon and a first-round pick in 2013. The Blue Jackets also sent a conditional third-round draft pick next year that will be returned if the Rangers reach the Stanley Cup Finals.
Nash, who is only 28, owns most of Columbus' career offensive records and asked the front office for a trade in January. No deal was consummated before the February trade deadline during the season or before last month's NHL draft as Howson insisted he wouldn't trade Nash for less than "market value."
Nash had six teams on his "approved" list to be dealt to. The Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks were the other five teams on the list, according to the Columbus Dispatch.
Howson wanted at least one proven NHL forward in any deal after the Blue Jackets finished 29th in the league in scoring last season.
Nash brings a coveted proven scoring threat to the Rangers, who averaged only 2.15 goals per game during the playoffs last season. He has 30-plus goals in seven of nine NHL season, including 30 goals to go with 29 assists last season.
However, Nash also has six years and $62.4 million remaining on his contract. The 6-4, 218-pounder could comprise a front line that would include center Brad Richards and Marian Gaborik, once Gaborik returns from offseason shoulder surgery.
