See the play of Rich Peverley and Chris Kelly for the Bruins during last years Stanley Cup run.
But its not too often were a marquee talent gets shopped around so publicly, and this year we have that with the apparent departure of Rick Nash from the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets have been mired in mediocrity since their inception to the league in 2000. In 2003 the Blue Jackets traded up to the first overall pick to select Nash, who has been far and away the franchises best player recording 278 goals, 250 assists, and 528 points.
Historically Nash has not had the best talent to play around, his best teammates including Sergei Fedorov, RJ Umberger, and Antoine Vermette. The Blue Jackets have only made the playoffs once in their twelve year existence, finishing in eighth place in the Western Conference, but they lost to the top-seeded Detroit Red Wings in the first round 4-0. That season the club was led by rookie goaltender Steve Mason who provided the squad with a 2.29 GAA (goals against average), yet since the season the netminder has never had his GAA finish below 3.00. Nash finished that year with career highs in assists and points.
Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson was active this offseason in trading Jakub Voracek to the Philadelphia Flyers, along with a couple draft picks for all star forward Jeff Carter, but the move has not paid off, leading to Nash's name being floated around to multiple teams. The expected contenders for the power forward's services include the New York Rangers, LA Kings, and the aforementioned Flyers, and Howson is asking for one primary roster player, two prospects, and a high draft pick in return for Nash. Here's what each of those teams have to offer:
Rangers: Michael Del Zotto; The third year defenseman has an offensive fair to his game with thirty points and has a fantastic plus/minus at +28.
Kings: Jack Johnson; In terms of need the Kings may have the most need for Nash, falling out of the top eight spots in the West, including having been shut out in their past two games. However the Kings may have the least to offer, but Johnson is a proven young top-line defenseman in this league who would join a club who historically has never had a great defenseman in his prime.
Flyers: James Van Riemsdyk, Sean Couturier, Sergei Bobrovsky; The Flyers may have the most to offer with three, young, talented players and also have been rumored of including a first round pick in this package.
If the Flyers are willing to give up that much, and Howson has the confidence to pull the trigger on a deal that may bring negative fan reaction, then Philly clearly leads the way. Anything can happen in a week's time though, and that's the great excitement of the NHL trade deadline.
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