Feb. 20th 5:00 PM:
Darren Dreger via twitter: Things can change, but the sources are saying that the Flyers are out of the Nash sweepstakes at the current asking price. Dreger thinks the Rangers are the frontrunners.
2:05 PM:
Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein is hearing the Kings have expanded their offer for Rick Nash to include Jonathan Bernier, Jack Johnson, Andrei Loktionov.
9:40 AM:
Sam Carchidi via twitter: A source has said the there is little chance the Flyers trade for Nash, as they are comfortable with the team.
Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Reports out of Philadelphia on Saturday the Flyers “vaulted into major player status.” Brian Burke and Scott Howson had an unscheduled meeting. With the Rangers, Kings and Canucks possibly interested, Howson may have an ideal situation of bidders. The more teams involved lessens the chances of the teams getting Nash. If the Flyers were to trade for Nash, word is Sean Couturier would have to be a part of the deal. Scott Hartnell and James van Riemsdyk could also be involved.
Chris Botta of the NY Times: Rick Nash on trade rumors:
“It’s going to take care of itself,” Nash said. “I just worry about today. Right now, I’m a Blue Jacket. That’s all that matters. I played my whole career here. I don’t fall into any of those rumors. All I’m dealing with is a game that I have to play in a few hours. That’s all I’m worrying about.”
Mark Purdy of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks are on Nash’s list of teams he’d be willing to go to. Columbus would likely want Logan Couture or Joe Pavelski in return, which would be a no go with GM Wilson. Another roadblock would be Nash’s $7.8 million cap hit through 2018.
8:20 am
The Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke after meeting with Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson, via email ”No comment on any … potential deals.” The trade excitement surrounds Rick Nash these days, but they may have spent a bunch of time discussing Jeff Carter. The chances may be greater for the Leafs trading for Carter than Nash. The Leafs could offer a package including Luke Schenn and Nazem Kadri or Joe Colborne, but others can top that. The only way a Nash to Leafs deal makes sense is if the teams with the best assets, like LA Kings, melt away and Howson decides to move him for less. The Leafs also need to be cautious on a Jeff Carter deal. He has a big contract, and would he fit well with Kessel and Lupul, or on the 2nd line. The LA Kings have the greatest need for Nash, and could offer Jonathan Bernier and a young Dman like Jack Johnson. The Flyers biggest need is goaltending and not scoring.
Feb. 19th :
Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Dupont lists some Joe Thornton-Rick Nash trade similarities. The Blue Jackets should be able to trade Nash for a #1 goalie (possibly one in waiting), 2 young NHLers, and a defenseman. The Bruins have a fit with Tuukka Rask, David Krejci or Milan Lucic, and Johnny Boychuk or Adam McQuaid. The Canucks could offer Cory Schneider, Cody Hodgson, and Chris Tanev (suggested by other first) . Alex Edler would be too much and Keith Ballard not enough. For the Blues to get involved, would be either Brian Elliott or Jaro Halak, David Perron and Alex Pietrangelo.
Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Sources continue to say that the Flyers are listening to the Blue Jackets, even though it may not be the “right fit.” The asking price is probably Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier. Maybe it could be something like James van Riemsdyk, another player or high draft pick and Sergei Bobrovsky. The Flyers don’t want to move Schenn and Couturier. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said it was “unlikely” that he’d make a major trade by the deadline.
Dennis Bernstein via twitter: The Kings are still in on Nash.
Dustin Leed via twitter: Scouting the Flyers – Penguins game: 2 Blue Jackets (GM Scott Howson and senior advisor Craig Patrick were on the list to attend), 2 Blackhawks, Kings, Predators, Canadiens, Avalanche, Flames, Panthers and Blues. Randy Miller via twitter: Miller notes that 2 Blue Jackets executives have been at a Flyers 3 times this week. He thinks talks must be serious.