The Stanley Cup Finals haven't even started yet and the offseason rumor mill is already cranked up.
Sportsnet analyst Elliotte Friedman reported Saturday night that high-scoring Rangers left wing Rick Nash might be on the trade market this summer.
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“You’re going to hear a lot of wild rumors this year. … I think this is going to be a crazy season for them and one of the first to hit is Rick Nash of the New York Rangers,” Friedman said, via SportsNet.ca. “He has a 12-team list that he can be dealt to and there seems to be a little bit of smoke to this one. I think they’ve been asked. I think they’d be willing to do it under the right circumstances."
The 31-year-old Nash has spent the past four seasons in the Big Apple after beginning his career in Columbus in 2002. But after tying his career high with 69 points in 2014-2015, Nash missed 22 games with a leg injury this season. The New York media had speculated the Rangers might look to move Nash this offseason. One possible destination: St. Louis, as coach Ken Hitchcock is a Nash fan.
Any potential move will come down to salary, Friedman said.
“No. 1, he’s got a $7.8 million cap hit for two more seasons — how would that work?" Friedman said. "And No. 2, while he struggled this year, the Rangers really defended him. They felt that Nash played hurt and that affected his totals, and I think they do look at it and say if he’s healthy next year he could be much more effective. But he’s going to be a name and the Rangers are going to be a team to watch.”