Feb. 26th 8:15 PM
Bob McKenzie via twitter: Obviously possible Rick Nash could move by tomorrow but it were close in any way do you think CBJ would’ve played him today?”
Bob McKenzie via twitter: Teams that have the most interest in Nash don’t think he’ll be moved and are looking at other players.
Darren Dreger via twitter: The Rangers weren’t willing to pay the price for Nash prior to today, and today the Blue Jackets asked for more than they initially asked for. Can’t really blame the Rangers for not wanting to blow up their team to make a Nash deal.
Spector’s Hockey via twitter: Sportsnet Marty McSorley said that latest word is the Rangers are out on Nash.
11:15 AM
David Boclair of the Nashville City Paper: The Predators have made an offer Nash. It’s unlikely the Blue Jackets would want to trade within their division. The Preds offer could include: Colin Wilson, Ryan Ellis or Jonathan Blum and multiple picks and/or prospects
Darren Dreger via twitter: The Blue Jackets haven’t spoken with the Maple Leafs in days. Leafs will keep trying, but Gardiner remains untouchable.
Bruce Garrioch via twitter: Belief before the Maple Leafs loss to the Capitals that the Leafs interest in Nash was minimal, and they they were driving up the price for the Rangers.
Sam Carchidi via twitter: The Flyers are still talking with Blue Jackets about Nash, but nothing serious has developed. The Jackets want several of the Flyers young players.
9:00 AM
The Fourth Period: The Rangers may include Carl Hagelin (Rangers want Stepan) to go along with Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider and a 1st round pick. The Blue Jackets are asking the Maple Leafs for Jake Gardiner, Joe Colborne, Matt Frattin and a 1st round pick.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Leafs, Rangers, and Sharks have offers in on Rick Nash, and have all said the offer could be better in the summer. The Rangers and Leafs are being aggressive as they have more parts to offer than the Sharks.
Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Sharks are still interested in Nash, but could probably make a better offer in the offseason. The Maple Leafs and Rangers are still in.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson should go after Derek Stepan over Brandon Dubinsky. Howson wants Chris Kreider, the Rangers best prospect. He also wants either Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, but McDonagh isn’t going anywhere. Dylan McIlray or Tim Erixon are also options. After the Carter deal, defense is not a top priority for Howson. He could use some 1st round picks to take a run at Canucks Cory Schneider this offseason. They already have their own and the Kings.
Feb. 25th 9:50 PM
Spector’s Hockey via twitter: Elliotte Friedman suggested on the Hotstove that the Blue Jackets might not move Nash by Monday. They’ve shifted their focus to forwards for Nash.
Chris Botta via twitter: Botta can see the Rangers best offer for Nash as Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon, a 2012 1st round pick and a conditional pick based on Rangers success the next 2 years.
Todd Cordell via twitter: Bob McKenzie reported that the Canucks are jumping into the trade market, with Nash a possibility.
4:40 PM
Bob McKenzie via twitter: Rick Nash’s agent spoke with TSN and said the following: “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.”
2:05 PM
Nick Kypreos via twitter: Rangers remain firm that they aren’t going to trade Michael Del Zotto or Ryan McDonagh in a deal with Columbus for Nash.
David Pagnotta via twitter: Hearing that the Blue Jackets want Derek Stepan badly, but might settle for Carl Hagelin. Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider, Stepan or Hagelin, and a pick (may not be a 1st). There could be more coming from the Blue Jackets. May boil today to Stepan or Hagelin.
9:00 AM
Aaron Portzline via twitter: “No guarantees #CBJ captain Rick Nash is traded by Monday’s deadline, but might be best for all parties to have a quick ending to this.” …”#CBJ have set the bar very high and are waiting for other teams to meet their requirements. So far, none of them have done so.” … “#CBJ approach is that they don’t have to trade Nash, but several possible suitors and the Nash camp are getting impatient w the process.” … “Might be best if #CBJ fans come to terms with the fact that Nash is likely going to be traded. Might not happen at deadline, but …” … “… chances of Nash being with the Blue Jackets at the start of next season are slim.”
Feb. 24th
Darren Dreger via twitter: The Maple Leafs will push the Blue Jackets to make a decision on Nash, and would like to know by tomorrow. The Rangers will likely do the same. Dustin Brown is plan BFeb. 24th
Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun was told that the Kings made a big offer for Rick Nash and Jeff Carter at one point. The Kings took into account that Jonathan Quick will need a new deal after next season and will need a big raise. Jeff Carter’s salary cap hit is much easier to swallow.
Darren Dreger via twitter: Dustin Brown’s availability will impact teams in the Nash hunt.
Nick Kypreos via twitter: It appears that only the Rangers and Maple Leafs have significant offers in for Nash.
Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Some teams like the Rangers want to know by Sunday what Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson’s intentions are with Nash so they can look at other alternatives if need be.
Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch: Sources are saying that Carter’s deal doesn’t impact the Jackets willingness to move Nash for the right deal.
Feb. 23rd
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers next 2 games will impact on GM Glen Sather’s urgency to pursue Rick Nash or not. The Rangers have lost 2 of their last 3. Ryan McDonagh, Michael Del Zotto, Chris Kreider and J.T. Miller have been deemed untouchables according sources. Sather could be prepared to send Brandon Dubinsky, Christian Thomas, possibly Dylan McIlrath and a 1st round pick for Nash. Sather has been unwilling to include defenseman Tim Erixon.
Terry Koshan via twitter: Leafs GM Brian Burke said that it’s “not true” that they have a firm offer for Nash on the table.
Mark Master via twitter: Sharks center Joe Thornton call the Nash trade talk “outside nonsense.” He won’t comment on report that Sharks are in Nash.
Dennis Bernstein via twitter: McKenzie don’t think that Nash lands in Los Angeles. Carter/Hemsky more likely alternatives for Kings.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Sources are saying the San Jose Sharks are looking into deals for Blue Jackets Rick Nash and Jeff Carter. Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson is still looking to get a 1st round pick, a good roster player, and the top prospect in that organization for Nash. For the Sharks the roster player may be Logan Couture or Joe Pavelski. Carter may cost a 1st round pick and to take on more salary with another player. A source said Nash could cost the Kings Jonathan Bernier or Jack Johnson, Tyler Toffoli and a 1st round pick.
Feb. 22nd
Darren Dreger of TSN: The Sharks are becoming a strong contender for Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash. According to sources the Jackets initially wanted Logan Couture, but were told that was a non-starter. Nash and Joe Thornton are friends, and have played together in international tournament. GM Scott Howson is working hard to find the best deal out there, and it’s unlikely Nash can be pressured to be moved to a city not on his list.