The first big name to really be discussed when the NHL trade deadline got near was Rick Nash. The Columbus Blue Jackets have since shipped off Jeff Carter and acquired Jack Johnson, but a potential deal with Nash could still come before the deadline on Monday. Plenty of teams remain interested in acquiring the services of Nash, currently the captain of the Blue Jackets and a big fan of the area he's in and the team he plays on.
But that doesn't mean Nash doesn't want to go elsewhere, particularly to a contender. He's not in any hurry to leave Columbus, but there was always speculation that Nash would want to go somewhere with a better chance to contend, helped along by the list of teams he'd signed off on in regards to a potential trade, which included the San Jose Sharks, who are in heavy pursuit of him.
Nash's agent, Joe Resnick, has been quiet throughout all of this, but has finally spoken up. Bob McKenzie of TSN had some quotes from Resnick over Twitter (here and here):
"We're hopeful a deal can get done prior to the trade deadline that is fair and equitable for the Blue Jackets... However, if a deal is not reached, then the list of acceptable teams will not change at a later date."
His words are significant for a couple reasons. For one, Nash seemed lukewarm to the idea of a trade when this whole saga starter, talking about how much he loves the community and his teammates, but now his agent is suggesting that getting a trade done is now the priority. Until now, it seemed like a desperation move from the Blue Jackets, now it seems like Nash wants to get things over with.
For two, the second bit notes that Nash may pursue a trade once the season is over, and will keep the teams he's already approved as options. Everything can change before then, but it's certainly worth noting at this point. If Nash wants a trade in the offseason, nobody really knows how that would go because the Blue Jackets may be cleaning house to acquire a new general manager. Should be interesting, to say the least.
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