Feb. 16th 9:45 AM:
@NewfamousLeafer via twitter (via @BrianHuddle): Made note that Darren Dreger said on TSN 990 that the Blue Jackets asked for Michael Del Zotto in a package for Rick Nash.
Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: If the Bruins were to take a run at Rick Nash, they have a key component the Blue Jackets could be looking for, a goalie in Tuukka Rask. The Jackets would also want another young impact player like Milan Lucic. The Bruins likely wouldn’t want to include Rask and Lucic. The Canucks are a more likely trade partner and could include Cory Schneider and Cody Hodgson.
David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Though a trade will likely happen at some point, it may not happen at the deadline. The main contenders to land Nash would be the: Bruins – may not be willing to trade Rask. Red Wings – could be interested in the offseason, but paying a big price for a winger is not a top priority at the moment. Kings – have Jonathan Bernier and a bunch of young defenseman. May be desperate enough to include Dustin Brown. Rangers – any trade would include part of Derek Stepan, Ryan McDonagh, Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky and Michael Del Zotto. Flyers – may not be interested in trading any of Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn, James van Riemsdyk and Sergei Bobrovsky. The Flyers would also have to make some salary cap moves. Sharks – not many assets in assets in San Jose. Maple Leafs – have young assets in Luke Schenn, Nazem Kadri and Joe Colborne. Canucks – have Cory Schneider, Cody Hodgson and Chris Tanev.
Jesse Spector of the SportingNews: 2 sources have said the Blue Jackets are in no rush to ship Nash out. “No reason… to trade today, trade deadline or at draft,” one source said. “Just when they have maxed the deal.”
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson scouted the Flyers-Rangers on Saturday. 2 scouts watched the Capitals-Sharks on Monday. 2 Capitals scouts watched the Blue Jackets on Tuesday (2nd straight game). Blue Jackets scouted the Senators-Panthers game. Along with Nash, the Blue Jackets are shopping center Jeff Carter, Antoine Vermette, Sammy Pahlsson and likely everyone else on their roster, including R.J. Umberger, Derick Brassard and Curtis Sanford. The Rangers, Bruins, Kings, Sharks and Maple Leafs are believed to be on Nash’s approved list. The Jackets want at least a young roster player, and a combination of prospects and draft picks for Nash. The Rangers seem to make the most sense and they’ve had preliminary talks. Brandon Dubinsky, a young Dman in Michael Del Zotto, Ryan McDonagh and Tim Erixon, and prospect Chris Kreider could interest the Jackets. The Kings have a goalie in Jonathan Bernier, but lack the your prospects the Rangers have. They might be able to get a better offer in June.