Winnipeg Jets: Are we pursuing Rick Nash and would it even make sense?

The New York Rangers have had a season to forget. Not looking playoff bound by any means, they continue to plummet. They likely will be open to selling at the deadline and they have someone special, Rick Nash. Nash just announced that he’d be willing to alter his no trade clause to come play for a Canadian playoff contender. That’s exactly what the Jets are, and could be a suitor for the long time NHLer.

Rick Nash. If you haven’t heard that name, you obviously aren’t huge into the NHL. He was one of the best hockey players in the world at one point in his career. Only a few years ago, Nash was scoring 40 goals in only one season.

Nash is still an elite player who could make a good addition for the Winnipeg Jets. With the amount of injuries, it wouldn’t be out if the question. Also keep in mind our usual late season injury problems that always come back to get us. Trading for Nash could be a safe bet, although will likely come with a cost.

What we’d have to sacrifice

The cost of him could be what makes or breaks this possible deal. As Nash is past his glory days, he shouldn’t be overly expensive. Carrying a cap hit of $7.8 Million also drops his value, but would have to be partially retained. Nash is still a on pace to break the 20 goal mark, so it wouldn’t just be like a complete salary dump.

Is Nash worth the bounty of a first round pick? Probably not, unless he comes over with another asset. Could we bring him in for Nic Petan? I doubt it, unless we gave them someone or something else. Would Michael Grabner also make sense to give the Jets a real bolster on the wing?

This deal I put together would make sense for Winnipeg and the Rangers who are in need of prospects.

Winnipeg Jets Receive:

• Rick Nash – Winger, Last year of his contract, just below 20 goals
• Michael Grabner – Winger, Last year on his contract, 26 goals
• Ryan Sproul – Defenseman, Failed Red Wings draft pick, Depth player, 1 game played this season, RFA this summer

New York Rangers Receive: 

• 2018 2nd round pick – Winnipeg is done the rebuild, and it’s time to look at a deep playoff run. Picks are no longer the answer.
• Nic Petan – Young player who hasn’t quite come into his own yet, still has potential, provides depth
• J.C. Lipon – A hard working forward who hasn’t developed as fast as Winnipeg has hoped. Lipon would bring a hard, gritty, heavy hitting game to New York.

Why them?

First of all, I think Grabner and Nash would be perfect for the Winnipeg Jets. They both have a good amount of playoff experience, which most Jets have fairly little, or none of. I also threw in Ryan Sproul for some reassurance later in the season if some of our d-men go down. Sproul is a failed draft pick with little NHL experience and success. Maybe a trade to Winnipeg could revamp his career.

Next: Andrew Copp can't score, is this a problem?

I feel the Jets need to make moves this trade deadline. Enough sitting around, we need to show the fans we care and go deep. This year is our year, and is just the first of many.