Rick Nash

The trade deadline is just over a week away and the big fish on the market is Columbus Blue Jackets winger, Rick Nash. With an apparent short list of teams he is willing to go to and Toronto being one of the teams, should Brian Burke make a deal for the late twenties winger?

It really comes down to the price that Columbus's GM is asking for. If it brinks on ridiculousness, then I have no problem with Burke passing. I, however hope he tries to put in a decent offer.

Now, no one really knows Nash's true value, because well, we are not NHL GM's. I think a fair offer from Toronto would include Luke Schenn, Clarke MacArthur, one of Kadri/Colborne, Ben Scrivens and a 1st. Steep? Oh, it is very very steep. I'm not sure if I'd even do that trade. Realistically though, I believe that is what will be the asking price.

It will come down to a few factors. Ben Scrivens and a 1st is not a huge loss to be honest. The crucial decision will be deciding if we should let Kadri + Schenn go. Those are two big blows to our prospect pool and depth. If Burke believes Nash can push us over the top, then he will do it.

It is a very sticky situation. There is a possibility that it won't be settled by the Feb 27th deadline and it could drag on into the offseason. In any case, I don't see Nash being a Blue Jacket in the 2012-2013 season. This is the tipping point and he will be in a different jersey next year.

It comes down to which NHL GM is willing to risk it all on this underachieving winger.