In his latest 31 Thoughts column for Sportsnet, venerable hockey insider Elliotte Friedman confirms what has been rumored for the last few weeks: the Nashville Predators are going hard after Rick Nash. Friedman states that the Predators are “all in” on the New York Rangers forward, but wonders if they’ll eventually be able to outbid the field to land him before the trade deadline.
According to other reports, the Rangers are looking for a three-piece return for Nash, similar to the ask for Buffalo’s Evander Kane. That might seem like a lot to give up for the Predators, who have already traded two good young players in Samuel Girard and Vladislav Kamenev and don’t have their 2018 second-round pick or 2019 third-round pick.
Nash has been tenuously linked to the Dallas Stars as well, while the Toronto Maple Leafs are known to be among his approved trade list. While there are surely others, the Predators seem to be the front-runners for the time being. New York has made it clear they’re going to sell off their expiring assets this season, and Nash could be the jewel of the rental market.
I’ll take a first and Kevin Fiala.
I’d take Fiala and a second. But damn this is gonna be a good bidding war. Very well could be as much value as a first and Fiala
I’ll give em Smith too
The Preds aren’t moving one of their top six forwards, who is younger and playing better than Nash, for Rick Nash. They’re definitely not doing it if Smith is included.
You’re insane if you think Nash is worth either of those pieces, alone. The guy is 33 going on 34 and disappears every spring. Count your blessings if you get a 2nd round pick and Aberg.
What’s insane is how much any players cost before the deadline every season, I totally agree with you but I guarantee that a first round pick will be included in an overrated Rick Nash
Man, I trust David Poile with every part of the operation but I am super uncomfortable with giving much of anything for Rick Nash. Well into the back 9 of his career, slow, and has a history of underperformance in the playoffs. No thanks, let the Rangers tear it down and rebuild without another first round pick and a young player.
So Poile is going to pay more for two months of Rick Nash than he paid for 6 years of Kyle Turris?
Ha.
Rick Nash is not worth 3 pieces. He has 27 points this season. That’s only 3 more than Riley Nash. That isn’t worthy of a 1st round pick, a prospect & a third piece. The Predators would be better off going after Thomas Vanek. He will cost less & is having a better season than Nash
Exactly. If he’s worth that much the Bruins should be trading Riley Nash for a first and a prospect right now and sending a third rounder or something to Carolina for Derek Ryan.
Riley Nash has 2 goals tonight. So, Rick Nash is only one point ahead of him. Further proof that Nash isn’t worth the asking price
As a Rangers fan with more realistic expectations, Nash for a late second and a mid-level prospect or a third rounder plus another mid-to-late round pick (current or future) and a mid-to-lower level prospect would be fine. Obviously throw in salary filler from Nashville if needed. Nash doesn’t realistically deserve a first rounder unless the bidding skyrockets. Expecting a first rounder plus a top prospect or a top six forward is more unrealistic than a video game. I think the price goes up a little if the Rangers are asked to retain a large portion of his salary or are asked to take back a bad contract with term still on it.
They won’t take back a bad contract. I think they want draft picks above all else. Once they’re out of salary cap purgatory, and if they draft well, they could then dip back into the market and have a more sustainable contender in 2-3 years. Since they have lots of pieces other teams want, I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up with 3-4 1st rounders spread across the next 2-3 drafts.
As a realistic Ranger fan I know Nash isn’t worth as much as there asking big picture, however your looking at this the wrong way, all contenders are looking for that last piece to win the cup. If a team thinksNash gets you there he’s worth trading for the asking price.