With free agency set to begin on Sunday at noon, the Columbus Blue Jackets are hoping that a market will develop for disgruntled captain Rick Nash. On the trading block since the start of Feb., the situation has continued to worsen as the Blue Jackets have failed to receive an offer that is to the standard that they hope to receive for Nash.
This has caused all involved to squirm with pain hoping that the situation will resolve itself soon.
Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson is optimistic that free agency signings will help create a group of teams desperate to add a scoring forward of Nash's caliber.
All quiet w #CBJ / Nash right now. GM Scott Howson hopes the FA market plays out in a way that demand for Nash increases.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 29, 2012
According to Portzline, the two biggest suitors in the Nash sweepstakes are the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators. However, Nash is not interested in playing in Ottawa at this time.
Portzline also said that Howson was not opposed to trading Nash in the Central Division if the deal was right.
Ultimately, that deal would cost that Central Division team quite a bit.
#RedWings have inquired about Rick Nash, but CBJ doesn't want to trade him to Detroit. Wings would have to blow Blue Jackets out of water.
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) June 28, 2012
For more on the Columbus Blue Jackets, go to The Cannon. You can check out more hockey news from around the league at SB Nation's NHL page, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:
