Brooks: Nash wants to remain with the Rangers
Rick Nash is a pending free-agent for the first time this summer in his 15-year NHL career. And while that is something that the 33-year-old winger has never experienced, he is saying all of the right things.
In an article from Larry Brooks of the New York Post, Nash says that staying with the Rangers is “my priority.” But Nash understands that life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows and that there is a possibility that he could be traded at or before the NHL Trade Deadline on February 26th.
“I want to be here, that’s my priority, but I also understand the business side of it and that management has to do what they feel is in the best interests of the organization. That thought [about the deadline] definitely creeps in from time to time.” – Rick Nash
Jeff Gorton and the Rangers front office could be stuck with a difficult decision depending on how the season progresses. As of the time of publication, Nash has nine points so far this season, six of which have come during the Rangers six-game winning streak. His scoring ability is certainly something the Blueshirts will need if this team is going to make the postseason, a topic which the boys discussed on this week’s episode of Tilted Ice.
And perhaps Jeff Gorton will decide to hold on to the power forward if this team is in the thick of a playoff race as the season wears on. But if the Rangers, for whatever reason, are out of playoff contention come mid-February, don’t be shocked if Nash is traded as a “rental” to a team looking to make a big impact heading into the postseason.
Do Gorton and Nash agree on a contract extension during the season? If Nash does get offered a new contract from the Blueshirts, how much of a discount is he willing to take? Will Nash be able to continue producing points that make this decision all the more difficult?
We won’t know anything more until the season progresses. But one thing was made clear: Rick Nash wants to remain on Broadway.
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