Rangers Trade Rumors: Nash's Agent Talks; Potential Snag; Erixon Injured (Updated)

Update, 1:18 p.m.:
Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports that Rich Nash is in the line-up this afternoon for Columbus against the Penguins.

...meaning if trade is going to happen, it won't take place until this evening the earliest. So go outside and enjoy this beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Original Post:
The rumors regarding Rick Nash were so insane yesterday, the janitors at Columbus' home arena were being considered sources as word was Blue Jacket officials were taking down all Nash signage at Nationwide Arena.

...not true, as they were just taking down the Jeff Carter signage.

Here's some of the more legitimate Nash to Rangers news:

Rick Nash's agent finally spoke on his client's trade situation (via TSN)...

"We're hopeful a deal can get done prior to the trade deadline that is fair and equitable for the Blue Jackets," Joe Resnick told TSN. "However, if a deal is not reached, then the list of acceptable teams will not change at a later date."

...sounds like someone can't wait to get out of Columbus.

Meanwhile, Aaron Portzline at the Columbus Dispatch says while the talk is about the Rangers giving up defensive prospects for Nash, Columbus wants forwards.

...translation: Blue Jackets want Stepan and Kreider. Thanks for playing Columbus, you can pick up your consulation prize, a Rangers coffee mug, on your way out the door.

Larry Brooks at the New York Post confirms that the Rangers have held firm in their refusal to include top prospect Chris Kreider, but says it is unclear whether Sather is willing include 2011 first-rounder J.T. Miller in a package for Nash that would also include Brandon Dubinsky, a first round pick, and likely at least another well-regarded prospect.

Steve Zipay at Newsday says a snag in getting the Nash deal done may be that the Rangers want someone else from the Columbus roster. Zipay mentions forwards Sami Pahlsson or Jared Boll.

...assuming the only reason Rangers want another forward is with the Wolski trade they're currently down to just 12 on the current roster.

If the Rangers and Columbus can't get a trade done for Nash by 3pm on Monday, Bruce Garrioch at the Ottawa Sun says it wouldn't be dead as the Blueshirts have told Jackets GM Scott Howson the deal could be better in the summer.

...the Rangers playoff success or lack of it will have a huge affect on their pursuit of Nash in the off-season if they can't get him by Monday.

In a related note, Tim Erixon, who has been rumored to be part of a Rangers package for Nash, injured his neck last night during the CT Whale's 2-0 loss to Springfield.

Mitch Beck at the Howlings notes that Whale coach Ken Gernander said after the after the game that Erixon was just a little dinged up and it's nothing serious.

...it's the hockey God's saying the Rangers shouldn't make the trade.

For news on Wojtek Wolski and Dustin Brown, click the "Read More" tab below.

FYI, Wojtek Wolski scored the game tying goal in his Panthers debut helping Florida defeat the Hurricanes 3-2 in a shootout.

...i told you he could score. They must have a sweet tub down in Miami.

Double FYI, Dustin Brown who was rumored to have been made available by the Kings after they acquired Jeff Carter, which was quickly refuted by thier GM, scored a hat trick last night during LA's 4-0 win vs. Chicago.

...it's now officially, official that Brown is off the market.

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