The Columbus Blue Jackets have finally dealt disgruntled forward Rick Nash and it was to an Eastern Conference team.
Nash was dealt by Columbus to the New York Rangers in exchange for forwards Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky, defenseman Tim Erixon and a first-round pick.
Hard to believe that was better than an over the Wings put together for Nash.
Detroit made a pitch to Columbus GM Scott Howson, making what a source called an I guess “hell of an offer.”
The Wings were one of the teams reportedly on Nash’s list that he would waive his no-movement clause, which was reported by the Columbus Post-Dispatch.
Detroit’s offer generated zero conversation.
It’s not known what the Wings offered, but Howson was looking for at least two proven NHL forwards in return for the six-time 30-goal scorer.
That’s a pretty steep asking price for any team, including the Wings, who would more than likely have to part with proven talent like Johan Franzen or Valtteri Filppula and perhaps even throw in an up-and-coming star like Darren Helm or Gustav Nyquist.
Howson was willing to holdout until he got what he was looking for in return and it looks as if the Rangers had it.
It seemed unlikely that Howson would want to deal Nash, who will make $7.8 million in each of the next six seasons, to a Central Division rival like Detroit and be stuck seeing the face of the Blue Jackets’ franchise so often during the regular season.
