New York Rangers: Rick Nash submitting no-trade list means a likely farewell

New York Rangers forward Rick Nash submitted a list of 18 NHL teams to General Manager Jeff Gorton that he would not accept a trade to on Monday.

New York Rangers forward Rick Nash was asked by General Manager Jeff Gorton to submit a list of 18 teams that he would not accept a trade to on Monday.

This means that it is almost certain New York will be bidding a farewell to Nash come the February 26 trade deadline that is approaching.

Nash’s eight-year $62.4 million contract will be expiring this summer and it looks as though the front office is looking to give Nash away as a rental for a cup contender that could use the extra scoring boost.

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It seems unlikely that the Rangers would extend Nash’s contract this summer as he is 33 years old and his production has taken a hit in the past couple of seasons.

Despite being the second highest paid Ranger, Nash is seventh on the team in points as he sits with only 25 points on the season.

The Rangers have dropped six of their last seven games and are riddled with key injuries and there is no choice but for Gorton to make a move at this point. It is likely Gorton will probably search for a first-round pick in exchange for Nash.

This does give some clarity on what we can possibly expect come the trade deadline. So many names have been getting thrown around in rumors so at least we can prepare to cross one name off the list.

This is the most simple of moves that Gorton has to make this month as Nash is probably the most obvious player to be traded due to his age, contract and production on top of the Rangers’ tanking.

Next: Time to say goodbye to the King

The 18 teams that Nash submitted to Gorton have not been disclosed but according to the New York Post’s Larry Brooks, the best suitors for Nash are likely to be between teams such as the St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning or San Jose Sharks.

Maybe Nash could even possibly return to Columbus? Who knows. All we know is that as sad as it is to see a Ranger of six seasons depart, this must be done in these desperate times of Rangers hockey.