Sharks GM Doug Wilson told the San Jose Mercury News, his team is in need of help on the wing. He was referring to the draft at the time, but as it just so happens, the biggest name in trade rumors right now is still Blue Jackets winger Rick Nash. That may be why Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet called the Sharks (along with the Senators) the top suitors for the CBJ captain.
However, as of 7:31 Thursday night, it seemed like there was some skepticism that a deal with the Sharks could be swung.
Another team that could be in the hunt for Nash’s services is apparently the Boston Bruins, according to ESPN.
“On Thursday, multiple sources confirmed to ESPN Boston that the Bruins have inquired about Nash, but as of now they are only exploratory talks…
But as Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli pointed out, he and other general managers will return to trade talks they had leading into the deadline.
“A lot of the work you do leading up to the trade deadline does carry over, so what I try to do also is, along those lines, is that I try to set up deals, plant seeds, set up deals at the trade deadline for the summer or for the fall,” Chiarelli said.
And the Flyers continue to be linked to Nash, most recently by Comcast Sports.
“Columbus is fielding offers from a number of NHL clubs for Nash, a 40-goal winger, including the Flyers, who continue to dabble in trade talks for several forwards, but appear no closer to solving their real problem — strengthening the defense.”
Catch that reference to “several forwards?” ESPN says Patrick Kane isn’t one of them.
“The speculation that won’t go away surrounding Patrick Kane being in play is simply not true, as far I’m told.”
But that same article, as well as other sources, have speculated that Anaheim’s Bobby Ryan is being shopped, and that’s gumming up the works for the CBJ.
The Hockey News looks at the Ryan dynamic, as well as positing what they believe to be the current list of teams to which Nash would agree to be traded.
“We know that Nash’s list of approved teams, as it stands, is now at seven teams – the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. There was speculation the Toronto Maple Leafs were on the list at one time, but they are no longer on it.
What we don’t know is a much longer list. For example, what will happen if the Blue Jackets find their best deal with a team that is not on Nash’s list of desired destinations.”
Quick Hits: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson spoke about Nash, his hour-long meeting with Nash’s agent today and previewed the draft in an interview posted on the team’s website. USA Today relayed a rumor that the Blue Jackets were interested in taking Alex Galchenyuk at the draft. There’s been a report that Scott Arniel will soon be named an assistant for the Sharks, although Arniel has made it clear that it’s not a done deal.
And here’s your chance to get to know new Blue Jackets assistant Keith Acton:
