Where Will They Go?: Rick Nash

        Before the 2012 Trade Deadline this season, rumors began to swarm around Columbus Blue Jackets captain Rick Nash, as he had reportedly asked to be out of Columbus. Nash has six years left on his $7,800,000 per year contract with Columbus, as well a a no-movement clause. Teams like the New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Philadelphia Flyers emerged as the front-runners in acquiring Nash. It was a really exciting time for hockey fans, until we heard from Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson that Nash would not be dealt, if at all, until the NHL Entry Draft. Well, the draft is rapidly approaching, and so is a Rick Nash trade. In my opinion, Nash will be dealt to the San Jose Sharks. 
        Both the Blue Jackets and the Sharks are desperate to turn things around for their clubs. The Blue Jackets, who finished last in the league by miles, clearly need to start from scratch and rebuild their franchise. By trading the centerpiece of the failing franchise, Columbus can truly begin to start over. Along with trading Nash, Columbus has the second overall pick in this year's draft, which will allow them to possibly find a future face of the franchise. This trade would also work for Rick Nash, as he is in the prime of his career and has never won a playoff game. 
         That can all change for Nash if he were sent to the Sharks, as the Sharks are a team that is built for making the playoffs. The Sharks are a team that can make the playoffs without much difficulty, but going for into the playoffs has been a challenge for the Sharks for quite some time. In acquiring Rick Nash, the Sharks will be able to take their team the next step in becoming an elite team in the NHL. While the Sharks will get a great player in Nash, they will have to pay a hefty price. I expect center Joe Pavelski, goalie Antti Niemi, and a draft pick or two to be sent to Columbus in exchange for Nash. What ever the price is, it is almost certainly worth it for the San Jose Sharks, because time is running out with their group, as the players are starting to get older. At this point, it's now or never for the Sharks.