With the trade deadline approaching, we will be profiling several players in the weeks ahead that have a good chance to be dealt by February 26th.
News broke this morning that the New York Rangers had finally asked Rick Nash for his 18-team no-trade list, essentially confirmed what has been suspected for some time. The team plans on trading Nash before the deadline, trying to recoup as much value as possible out of the last few months of his current contract.
Contract
Nash is in the final season of an eight-year, $62.4MM contract—$7.8MM cap hit, $8.2MM salary. He will be a UFA in July, and holds an 18-team no-trade list.
2017-18
For years, Nash was one of the elite goal scoring talents in the NHL. Armed with excellent speed, a large frame and good hands, the power forward topped 40 goals in three different seasons, and 30 in five others. Since his 42-goal 2014-15 season things have started to trend downwards, but there is still effective hockey left in the 33-year old.
This year, Nash has scored 15 goals through 52 games and has seen his ice time increased back to more than 17 minutes a night. His value as a defensively responsible forward is still quite high, and he still spends nearly two minutes penalty killing every night.
Season Stats
52 GP, 15 goals, 10 assists, 25 points, -5 rating, 20 PIM, 162 shots, 17:04 ATOI, 48.7 CF%
Potential Suitors
Even with Nash’s large cap hit, the market could include several teams around the league. If the Rangers are willing to retain salary (which they are), several teams in the Western Conference could see him as one of the top additions, especially because of his two-way ability.
Dan Rosen of NHL.com lists the Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues as possible destinations, with others noting his familiarity with people like Ken Hitchcock and Joe Thornton. All four teams are battling for position in the West, and could end up driving the price higher and higher for top rentals.
Another interesting spot would be a return to Columbus, though it would take a trade between division rivals to pull it off. The Blue Jackets are looking for some more depth at forward—though specifically center if they had the choice—and would likely welcome the old face of their franchise back for one last run. The two sides did not leave on good terms when Nash was dealt in 2012, but that was some time ago and included a different front office regime.
Likelihood Of A Trade
Nash confirmed he had handed in his list today, and seemed upset at the thought he wouldn’t be a Ranger at the end of the season. Speaking to media including Sean Shapiro of The Athletic, he explained how hard it will be to tell his son that he isn’t with the team anymore.
It’s hard to imagine that the team won’t trade him now, but there is definitely the possibility that he returns to New York in the offseason. Knowing that, it would be foolish of the Rangers to not cash in on whatever return they can get, unless they truly believe they can compete this season in the playoffs. Even still, the return for Nash—which some are speculating could be as high as a first-round pick—is more valuable to the franchise than his contributions this season.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
I could honestly see the Rangers trading Nash and Grabner and their being a realistic chance that they sign one or both as a free agent.
I think he’s an interesting player for VGK.
1. Slide on to the 3rd line instead of Leipsic for the playoffs. No retained salary needed. Keeping the trade price down.
2. Move on to the 2nd line in case they get an offer for Neal they can’t refuse.
I agree that he would be a good fit in Vegas. But, I can’t fathom them trading Neal really for anything. One point off the leagues best point total. I know they’re an expansion team, but they’re in first place after the break. It’s time to honestly say they are a Cup contender. Look at the last two teams to come out of the West: San Jose (perennial underperformer) and Nashville (8th seed who finished season at .500). The playoffs are a crap shoot and considering the fresh legs, I wouldn’t bet against them.
I don’t want to see Neal traded, but McPhee may do it if he has 0 chance at re-signing him and he can get a first.
You play to win a Cup. If Neal gives them the best chance at winning a Cup now then you don’t trade him. Losing Neal in free agency or getting a draft pick should be secondary to winning the Cup. Vegas has a number of guys having career years. Injuries and down play can creep in and shut the window of opportunity. If you’re a young team that is in first place, you go for it now.
If they get a first round pick for Nash I would be ecstatic and some GM should get fired.
I’d take a bag of rocks for Nash.
Vegas gets Pac from Mtl and instantly becomes a heavy favorite. Can play up and down the line.
Nash would be a decent consolation prize though
Pacioretty would cost Vegas Nick Suzuki or Cody Glass and a 1st rounder and I don’t think Vegas should be doing that type of trade.
If they could do Brannstrom (the third first rounder they took) and a first then I wouldn’t be completely against it but even that would be a tough decision.
Absolutely agree.
Sorry meant to say agree with no trade giving up Glass, Suzuki or Brannstron. Being an expansion team, they will need them soon.
But Suzuki would be the most likely dealt of the 3 in my opinion if it were to happen. Brannstrom may be in the NHL next year.
I can’t see Bergevin going after Brannstrom as he’s been pretty steadfast on getting a centre in any Pacioretty trade according to multiple people. Either way, I don’t think it’d be wise for Vegas to go after Pacioretty and sacrifice any future.