Another step closer, perhaps.
Rick Nash's name has been in the rumor mill for much of the season.
He's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and the 33-year-old isn't believed to have had substantial talks about an extension with the Rangers. In that case, it seems likely that he will be moved ahead of the Feb. 26 trade deadline, and a recent report from Sportsnet's Chris Johnston identified the Blue Jackets as a possible destination.
TSN's Bob McKenzie reported Monday that Nash, who has a no-trade clause, submitted a 12-team "approved list" to Rangers management over the weekend.
What does that mean? It means the Rangers have the green light to trade Nash to any of those 12 teams, leaving 18 teams out of the equation.
I would imagine the 12 teams Nash is willing to go to are teams he believes would give him the best shot to compete for the Cup and would either have the need for a scoring (rental) winger and/or be willing to pay the price.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 5, 2018
If you'll recall, Nash had a much smaller list (believed to be five teams) when the Blue Jackets traded him in July 2012.
Are the Blue Jackets on his approved list this time around? No one knows for certain, but given his affinity for the city and the fact he still keeps a home here, it wouldn't be a surprise if Nash would look favorably upon a return to Columbus.
The trade deadline is three weeks from today.
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