One of NHL’s most awaited deal; Rick Nash and New York Rangers happy to find right match in each other
Rick Nash, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, Columbus Blue Jackets’ captain and a top six forward is finally traded in a very interesting deal that saw exchange of five players, one first round pick and one conditional third-round pick.
The deal was done between Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers, a deal which satisfied and made all three parties, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers and Rick Nash very happy with it.
Columbus Blue Jackets are captained by Rick Nash for last four seasons, since 2008-2009 when he was made captain, following a poor display by Blue Jackets in the NHL. After lockout year in 2004, Blue Jackets finished 13th, 11th, 13th
in the 2005-2006, 2006-2007, 2007-2008 season respectively.
Columbus, Ohio based NHL team finished 7th in the first season under Rick Nash’s captaincy but they were swept away by Detroit Red Wings in the very first round of the Stanley Cup after being beaten in four straight games.
They had Nash for last nine years but still there was no improvement so this was something that gave them a feeling that they should trade him now and it would be better for the team. On Rick Nash’s trade, General Manager of Columbus Blue Jackets Scott Howson
said,
“We understand the fans (might find it) difficult to understand this or (be) upset with this. But this is something that we did because we think it’s going to better our hockey club”.
Even Rick Nash was very frustrated and was looking to be traded as soon as possible. Because things were getting ugly for him as well, for a player who made it to NHL All-rookie team in 2003 season, shared Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy in 2004, won NHL
foundation player award in 2009 and made appearances in to NHL All-Star games in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011.
His side always finished below 10th place in the regular season except one season. Even though he won Olympic Games Gold medal in 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games and Gold Medal in 2007 World Championships and silver medal with 2005 and 2008
world championships with team Canada. He was even named captain of the Team Canada in 2011 World Championships but finishing at such positions with Columbus Blue Jackets naturally made him disappointed.
New York Rangers on the other hand have been very impressive as they topped the Eastern Division of the NHL last year, missing the Presidents’ Trophy by just two points and reached Eastern Conference final in the Stanley Cup before losing to New Jersey Devils
in six games.
Born in Brampton, Ontario, 28-year-old right winger is very happy to sign with New York Rangers as he thinks they are the perfect team for him as he said,
“They are already one of the top teams in the league. The players they have are pretty impressive. In finding a team, I thought the Rangers were perfect. They are a great fit for my style.”
New York Rangers are also very happy to have a young forward who still has a lot to offer and their manager Glen Sather is hopeful that he will help them by scoring goals. 68-year-old, himself a former player of six different NHL teams, Glen Sather said,
"We're happy to have a five-time All-Star on our team and a 40-goal scorer and a guy that's only 28 years old".
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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