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Rick Nash is still a Columbus. He was trade bait last year. He was trade bait at the trade deadline. He was trade bait at draft. He hasn’t moved anywhere since, despite Nash’s stated desire to leave Ohio, and Columbus continuous marketing of the star forward.

There is no shortage of suitors for Nash, either. The Red Wings are known to have made a serious offer, while the Rangers and Flyers have been interested as well. The Maple Leafs, Sharks, Hurricanes and Bruins, have at varying times have kicked the tires on a Nash trade.

The problem isn’t the market, and it’s certainly not Rick Nash. The problem is the asking price, which has been unreasonable, according to those familiar with the negotiations. Scott Howson has made incredibly high demands, even as Nash’s value wanes as he moves closer to to free agency. Yahoo! reported today that Howson ‘ignored’ a bid for Nash from the Red Wings. His request for multiple NHL forwards is more than most teams would be able to stomach

Howson is the thing that stands between Nash and the foregone conclusion of the forward’s departure from Columbus. Will Rick Nash ever be traded? It depends on whether or not Howson becomes more reasonable.

Ice Insiders Chris Berry Interactive Chris Berry Interactive