A saga that started in January ends six months later as Rick Nash gets set to join the New York Rangers, a team that never left its perch as his top trade destination.
Discussions between Columbus and New York have been ongoing, but, heated up late last week before coming together on Monday.
Many teams in both conferences tried to put a deal together to land Nash, yet, always came away from discussions with Blue Jackets general manager, Scott Howson with the same response... the asking price is way too high.
Not wanting to have to invest in another rebuild, Nash asked for the trade, early in 2012, but Columbus needed time to find suitable return for its superstar captain. A tough task given the short list of teams Nash was willing to play for.
The Rangers never strayed from their position and would not, under any circumstance, include Derek Stepan, Chris Kreider, Carl Hagelin or Michael Del Zotto.
Howson was hopeful the market would change, forcing New York to sweeten the pot.
That never happened. Nor did Nash buckle under the pressure of those pushing him to expand his list.
If a trade with the Rangers had not gone down there is the possibility both Carolina and Washington would have been added later this week. However, it's unlikely the threat of more teams in the mix would have spooked New York to do more.
Columbus determined the deal with the Rangers which includes two solid forwards in Brendan Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov, Tim Erixon, projected as a top 4 defenseman and a 1st round draft pick, was the best they could do. But, all involved in this trade were available at the trade deadline and again at the NHL Draft.
The only thing that changed from New York's standpoint is the date on the calendar.
Meanwhile, Wednesday's deadline is fast approaching for the Nashville Predators to decide whether or not to match Philadephia's 14-year, $110 million dollar offer sheet for Shea Weber.
Nashville ownership is expected to meet again on Tuesday to determine what's best for the organization, however, many around the NHL don't believes the Preds will match and may instead use the compensatory draft picks as trade bait for roster players.
A very speculative view, given how guarded Nashville has been throughout the process.
