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Could the Oilers Deal for Nash?

July 18, 2012, 2:37 AM ET [326 Comments]
Richard Cloutier
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
I think we all pretty much agree the Oilers defense must improve in 2012/2013 for the team to stand a chance to challenge for a playoff spot. The Oilers have signed UFA Justin Schultz, but chances are Schultz is part of the long-term solution, and will not improve the team immediately.

Rumors have existed back before the 2012 NHL Entry Draft that Oilers management have been trying to land a legit Top 4 defenseman. Unfortunately, the assets they are making available to bring in such a player aren't getting the job done. Either the Oilers need to make one of their Big 4 kids available (Hall, Eberle, Nuge or Yakupov) or they need to find a new asset to offer up.

Rick Nash doesn't want to play in Edmonton. But one of my followers on Twitter brought up a very interesting point:

@JeremyLega with Howson wanting forwards for Nash, do u think Edm could put a package together and then flip Nash for more specific needs?

Very interesting thought, and one absolutely worth consideration. Columbus GM Scott Howson has suggested the Blue Jackets want two immediate NHL forwards coming to them as part of a deal for Rick Nash. Would Sam Gagner + Ales Hemsky be enough?

Now hold on there, Chuck...this deal makes no sense if the Oilers can't immediately flip Nash for a Top 4 defenseman. I'll remind you of the six teams Nash has identified as places he'd accept a trade to: The Bruins, Wings, Rangers, Flyers, Penguins, and Sharks.

Keeping these in mind, here are a few potential scenarios that could occur:

1. Nash to Boston for Dougie Hamilton and a second asset. Hamilton wouldn't immediately improve the Oilers, but wow...incredible prospect defenseman! The issue with this deal is if you subtract Hemsky and Gagner and your primary return is prospect Hamilton, you're pretty much saying (if you're Oilers management) that 2012/2013 will be a player development season (AKA last place again). A year with the Oilers adding Yakupov, Schultz AND Hamilton? I could live with last place again. Long term positive implications would be massive.

2. Nash to Pittsburgh for Simon Despres and a second asset. I'd love to suggest Chris Letang, but that isn't going to happen. Brooks Orpik is too old to make sense, and no one wants Paul Martin and his big, ugly contract. The Pens are absolutely stacked with D prospects, so the loss of Despres could be survived. Maybe big Eric Tangradi would be the 2nd player coming in the deal?

3. Nash to New York for Marc Staal. True, Staal has experienced concussion injuries, but a Staal is a Staal. They're winners, and the Oilers desperately need a guy like this. Top pairing defenseman who contributes in all areas (offense, defense, leadership). Star player for star player. I love it.

Final Thoughts:
Going back to Columbus, I'm not sure Gagner and Hemsky for Nash gets it done. Some of you might be thinking, "if the Jackets could get Marc Staal, why don't they just trade for him"? Keep in mind the issue in Columbus is up front. They need forwards. I think Howson's bubble has been burst a bit...was expecting a massive deal for Nash, but Nash's contract and decreasing production has reduced his trade value. In all likelihood, it would be Nash for Gagner + Hemsky + a 3rd asset...Then the question becomes, can the Oilers get approximately that amount of return out of Nash? Likely no.

I really like the Marc Staal concept. The Oilers would need to move Taylor Hall to center for this to work, and Magnus Paajarvi and Teemu Hartikainen would get Top 6 spots to start the season. The Oilers D would be incredibly improved.

L1: Paajarvi - Nugent-Hopkins - Eberle
L2: Hartikainen - Hall - Yakupov
L3: Smyth - Horcoff - Jones
L4: Eager - Belanger - Petrell

D1: Smid - Petry
D2: Staal - N. Schultz
D3: Whitney - J. Schultz

G1: Dubnyk
G2: Khabibulin
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