If Rick Nash is sent away from the team that drafted him 1st overall back in 2002 in hopes that he would be the rock to build their team upon, how would his stint in Columbus be remembered? For starters, Nash is a five time all-star, a Rocket Richard Trophy winner, and an Olympic Gold Medalist. In addition, he has led Columbus is production since his breakout sophomore season, and graced the cover of NHL 2k9. If you want to see what he means and has meant to the Columbus franchise, take a look at the chart below. (courtsey of Wikipedia)
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However, this chart tells more than just how great of a piece Rick Nash is to Columbus. It also shows the reason why Columbus has only made the playoffs once in their 11 year existence, being swept in the 1st round by the Red Wings. In fact, it was the stellar play of goaltender Steve Mason who ultimately made the difference in getting the Blue Jackets into the post season.
The lack of any depth scoring or play-makers surrounding the perennial all star were well know problems haunting the organization. The only way to address this came through the draft, as middle of Ohio isn't exactly a place that hot free agents want to spend their time. Numerous draft picks fell out of stardom and gently drifted away into the fold in Columbus. For very much the same reasons that great potential seems to become handicapped in Edmonton.
Moves were made to get a supporting cast for their marque sniper. None bigger than the one made this summer by 3rd year GM Scott Howson who traded for accomplished scorer, Jeff Carter. Carter was supposed to be the prime piece that would boost Rick Nash's game and lead the Blue Jackets into the playoffs for only the second time.
But as many of us have seen everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Carter and Columbus had a terrible start that was typified when their big pickup went down with a broken foot shortly after the season had begun. On top of this the Flyers were enjoying a great start and loving the pay coming from newcomers Jakub Voracek and Sean Couturier, both pieces acquired in the Jeff Carter deal.
Now that Columbus sits well out of playoff contention, without much hope that this group can turn it around, Howson is faced with a decision that will ultimately affect how he is remembered as a GM. Even if he sticks around in Columbus. To trade Rick Nash, or not to trade Rick Nash.
Rumors have been swirling that Nash would like a trade out of Columbus and many see his departure as a matter of time. To the surprise of few, virtually every team in the league has interest in the still budding star. Even the same team that Howson dealt with in the past summer. The Flyers undoubtedly have interest in Nash, and Howson undoubtedly feels that he needs to rectify the Jeff Carter trade, as there are also rumors that Carter wants out of Columbus as well.
Now if the Flyers want to deal for Nash it will likely cost them one JvR, Brayden Schenn, or Sean Couturier, if not two of them. As well as possibly Sergei Bobrovsky, to attempt to end the rotating door in net for the Blue Jackets. However, the Flyers are said to be in search of a defenseman to fill the 6'7" void left by captain Chris Pronger, who likely has played his last NHL game.
JvR seems to be the piece that the Flyers would be comfortable moving and many teams are likely to want a chance to buy into his sky-high potential that was showcased during the Flyers most recent playoff 'run'. But don't look to Howson letting the Flyers give up just JvR. Columbus would likely also want a couple of draft picks and another player with top tier NHL potential.
Moving backward, Nash may be only remembered to Columbus for what they can get in return for him. He has been a major contributor, but has never made them a force. (Although all the blame cannot be put upon him.) Columbus fans must look around at Pittsburgh, Washington, Chicago, even Tampa Bay and wonder if maybe Nash just isn't as great as some of these other top picks. I can say, not having a bias to Columbus, that I have never seen Nash as being on the level of Crosby, Ovechkin, Stamkos, or Toews.
Scott Howson must realize what Nash is outside of Columbus and move forward. In the process cleansing his team and getting pieces for both the near and distant future. He may be thrown under the bus and Columbus will get another GM who will likely have the same thing happen due to factors he cannot control. But few will have the guts to make some of the moves Howson did, in the trades he made and players he drafted. I am sure that through his stint with the Blue Jackets he has never looked for anything but players that could move his organization forward.
