The Rick Nash saga has finally ended. The 5-time All-Star right winger has been traded to the New York Rangers for Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, and Tim Erixon. Columbus will also give the New York Rangers a 3rd round pick and a minor league defenseman according to TSN's Darren Dreger and Bob McKenzie.
Columbus GM Scott Howson originally wanted Brayden Schenn, Sean Couturier and then some for Rick Nash from the Flyers. He settled for much less in this trade.
This was a poor trade for Columbus who only received two third-line forwards and a defensive prospect for their captain and most talented player. New York must have been feeling the pressure to make a big move after the Philadelphia Flyers sent Shea Weber an offer sheet. They added a much needed offensive threat to their team. The Rangers definately got the better of the deal.
The Atlantic Division will be a powerhouse division next season with the Flyers, Penguins, and Rangers all being teams that could make a deep playoff run. Watch for things to get interesting now, the teams that missed out on Nash will all be going after Doan, Semin, and Ryan.
