With the Trade Deadline ‘Bruin’, Boston Should Pursue Rick Nash
The NHL deadline is just under two weeks away and the Bruins are reportedly ‘in’ on New York Rangers winger Rick Nash. If the asking price is right, then the team should absolutely go after him.
With the Bruins playing extremely well lately, minus the loss to the Buffalo Sabres in Saturday night’s trap game, it may be hard to figure out what exactly the right asking price is for a 33-year-old winger.
Obviously, you don’t touch Charlie McAvoy or Jake DeBrusk – but if the team can give up a draft pick, Brandon Carlo, Peter Cehlarik or Austin Czarnik, then you do it. But I’m not here to discuss who or what should be given up to get Nash in the eight-spoked B uniform – I’m here to discuss why he’d be a good fit for this team.
Throughout his career in the NHL, Nash has played left and right winger. With him being familiar with both sides, he’d provide that veteran teammate for David Krejci who needs a more feasible wing option of the second line.
The veteran presence would also help the young core of this team, particularly in the playoffs. The last thing the B’s and their fans want is another early-playoff exit. Nash, who is familiar with the postseason scoring 15 goals through 77 career-playoff games, could easily help the Bruins to a lengthy playoff run.
Nash has been in the league since the 2002-03 season and has never scored fewer than 15 goals in a season. So far, the winger has lit the lamp 17 times with 10 helpers. He’s had at least 40 goals three times in his career and eclipsed the 30-goal mark five times.
He also understands what it’s like to play under a big-name goalie, having played under Henrik Lundqvist for several years.
On paper, Nash looks as if he’d be a fit for Boston. But again, it all comes down to what the Rangers want in return. If Boston can get away with trading two draft picks and a top prospect, then it’s worth it.
Nash could very easily be a low-risk, high-reward player. He could be a rental for Boston who helps the team in the playoffs for this year only, or he could sign a one or two-year deal at the end of year if he produces well enough with Boston.
There is a lot of competition out there – the Nashville Predators, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs are just three others teams rumored to be interested in the 33-year-old.
Again, it all comes down to asking price. The Bruins certainly don’t need Nash, but he would certainly help this team.
A veteran goal-scorer who would be a big presence on the ice with his 6’4” frame, help Krejci on the second line and be a voice for the rookies and youth? Someone with playoff experience playing under an elite goalie?
I’d take him any day.
The NHL trade deadline is Feb. 26 and although Boston isn’t in dire need of anyone, Nash would be a good fit.
Written by: Lauren Campbell (@lalalalaurrrren)