Silver Nuggets: Rick Nash, Anyone?
Look, I expected that Rick Nash would be the story of the summer. Its not everyday an NHL superstar is up for sale. I even expected a few Senators bloggers to write a word or two on the subject. I figured that in the end the conclusions would be: his contract is expensive, the asking price is too high, his numbers aren't really that good, he won't waive to come to Ottawa anyways. The End.
Or not? This morning Senators blogger Dave (not me) who runs the popular blog Senschirp mentioned on twitter that Jeff Rimer, the Columbus Blue Jackets play-by-play guy, "confirmed" that the Senators were one of the teams pursuing Nash. Now, Dean Brown doesn't break trade info for us in Ottawa, but perhaps in a place like Columbus where the hockey beat writers aren't as plentiful, a guy like Rimer holds some weight. Colour me skeptical. The podcast where this is all discussed can be found here around the 18 minute mark.
Now, let's say (for the sake of this blog post-- it is the summer after all) that this is true, that Bryan Murray is seriously pursuing Rick Nash. The Senators sure could use another veteran dynamic presence up front to lead the way with Jason Spezza, especially because the esteemed career of Daniel Alfredsson is soon coming to an end. He's that big body power forward with sweet hands that we all dream about at night. He would give us a hell of a top line.
But at what cost? Word on the street is Scott Howson is asking for a fools ransom, and with Nash's reputation, and teams seeing what big trades can do for you (cough, LA Kings, cough), he just might get it. This surprises me, because the last time a superstar was available who publicly asked for a trade, the poor team he was on didn't get nearly what they would normally get for a player like that. IF YOU CANNOT TELL I'M STILL UPSET ABOUT IT. Stupid Dany Heatley.
Anyways, word is the price is two solid roster players and two prospects, read; absurd. But if thats the price and Murray intends on giving an offer, what does it look like?
To Columbus:
To Ottawa
Rick Nash
2nd or 3rd Round Pick?
Doesn't seem worth it to me, unless Alfie sticks around this year, Silfverberg can play top-six right away, players like Mika Zibanejad and Mark Stone are close and players like Matt Puempel, Shane Prince and Stefen Noesen develop quicker than expected. That's a lot of ifs.
Links after the jump!
Senators Links
- A few beauty SSS articles for you in case you didn't check us out over the weekend. This one is Amelia continuing her by the numbers series, this time, number 6! [SSS]
- With the draft fast approaching, who is the worst Sens first rounder of all time? Mark lets us know that there are plenty to choose from. [SSS]
- The question we will very soon know the answer to: will Erik Karlsson win the Norris? My gut? He should, but certainly won't. [SSS]
- In a shocking story, Paul MacLean thinks Karlsson should win the Norris! Solid reporting here. But in seriousness, nice to hear from the coach. [Panzeri]
- Big Rig Brew Pub is set to re-open after an electrical fire. Still counting on one of you to let me know how it is! [SensExtra]
- Some draft fun, here is a preview from Hockey's Future that has the Sens choosing Olli Maata, which I would be cool with! [HF]
- And here is a peak inside the draft room for the Ottawa Senators, link from 6thSens [6thSens]
- Last but not least, a ridiculous story that popped up on my Twitter feed the other day and was written up by Nichols, Don Cherry has decided the biggest story from the playoffs for him was the Senators taking Mark Stone out of the lineup, which is just ludicrous. [6thSens]