Not exactly Stars-related, but in a round-about way it is.
Darren Dreger is reporting that a trade is done between the New York Rangers and the Columbus Blue Jacketsl, which would send Rick Nash, a 3rd round draft pick and a minor league defenseman to the Rangers in exchange for Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Tim Erixon and a 1st round draft pick.
That's a major haul for the Rangers, and they didn't have to give up as much as some thought it would take to get Nash. Howson wanted two NHL players and while Dubinsky is a very good center, it's not exactly the overwhelming return for Nash that the Blue Jackets wanted -- and some are saying Howson was once again "fleeced."
More after the jump.
The Rangers have been chasing Rick Nash for the past six months, at least, and the Blue Jackets have played hard-to-get with their frustrated captain -- wanting as much as they could possibly get for the winger. Nash has six years left on his 8-year, $62.4 million contract yet is coming off his worst offensive season since 2006 as the Blue Jackets struggled with their all-in roster last season.
It's a shame to see what has happened with the Blue Jackets, who tried so hard to build a team last summer but have had to go right back to a full rebuild after everything fell apart. Even after traded Nash, the return is far from what they needed to help rebuild the franchise after giving up so much for Jeff Carter and seeing the best player in franchise history walk away. The Rangers, meanwhile, get a piece of the puzzle they hope will help with the scoring depth issues they faced last season and in the playoffs.
How is this Stars related? What's interesting is that this return is similar to what the Stars reportedly wanted from NY for Brad Richards last spring at the trade deadline. The difference between then and now? Nash wanted to be traded and he has six years left on his contract -- a far difference from the situation the Stars were in last year with the center.