Seeing a Flyers connection with a blockbuster trade rumor has become as synonymous as a Kim Kardashian photo popping up in a grocery store gossip mag. Apparently, its more about how sexy it is, regardless of how much actual news worthiness that comes with the story.
With that in mind, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced Tuesday morning that Rick Nash is a trade possibility and considering Paul Holmgrens aggressive nature to wheel and deal, the Flyers were almost instantly dragged into the receiving end of what could be, but unlikely, the biggest trade deadline deal of 2012.
Nash has been the face of Columbuss failing franchise since coming into the league back in 2002-03. He has averaged 35 goals over the past seven seasons without the virtue of a true No. 1 center and playmaker. He impressively was a plus-8 between 2003-04 and 2010-11 for a team that has been significantly outscored on a yearly basis.
Once again, Nash is on pace for 30-plus goals for an eighth straight season and he could propel a handful of teams into the Stanley Cup conversation with his addition. Hes big (6-4, 220), although not quite the physical presence you might expect at that size, and durable having played at least 75 games each year since 2006-07.
Theres a lot to like, but heres what I dont like: Nash is locked up at a very steep cap hit of 7.8 million through 2018. For a Flyers team that operates very close to the cap ceiling, thats a big chunk to absorb. Im a firm believer that for that significant cap hit you better acquire 1.) a superstar two-way center, 2.) a lockdown, 25-minute per game, power play-quarterbacking defenseman or 3.) one of the top three goaltenders on the planet.
Thats not the case here. Nashs imposing size would look great on the blue line where the Flyers have a more desperate need after losing Chris Pronger for the season and quite possibly even longer, but they dont have an immediate hole up front and Nashs presence wont make the Flyers an instantaneous Cup favorite.
Secondly, Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson will be asking for a kings ransom in return and I dont believe the Flyers would benefit by parting with a package consisting of a combination of Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn, Matt Read, James van Riemsdyk or Sergei Bobrovsky. I believe Couturier has a very bright NHL future and his already refined defensive game at his age is a rarity, almost more so than a 35-goal scoring LW.
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With the emerging rookies, the Flyers have the luxury of parting with some of their future draft picks but that would still require Holmgren to maneuver financially to fit Nash and his nearly 8 million annual salary.
If youve studied Holmgrens trade deadline moves, youll quickly notice his deals create ripples, not waves. He may be boldly aggressive during the summer, but he doesnt gut the core of his team for the sake of one superstar talent during the season.
Its been proven that moves like this dont pave the way toward Lord Stanleys Cup. More often than not, it only creates a detour.
E-mail John Boruk at jboruk@comcastsportsnet.com.