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Nash Speaks

February 29, 2012, 8:49 AM ET [21 Comments]
Eric Smith
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After Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson made the statement that was heard around the hockey world that Rick Nash requested to be traded, the Jackets captain took an opportunity to tell his side. Let's review what Nash said and what it might mean.

“I was informed by management that there was a rebuild, a reshape, of the team, and I personally felt I could be a huge part of that, toward bringing assets in,” Nash opened up the press conference. “I think that was in my view that was the best thing for the team, the organization, and personally for my career.

What's clear is that the management and the Nash have a close relationship and have kept the captain abreast of what the plans and thoughts of the organization. What this statement also says is that Nash wants his cake and eat it too. He tries to come across as the noble knight that is willing to fall on his sword for the better good of the organization but then throws in that it also would be best for his career. That's not Nash's job to tell the organization what is best for them and he knows it. His earlier statements this season that if it is best for the organization to trade him for the better good was where he should have left it. If he was doing it for only the Blue Jackets, he would have allowed Howson to talk to all 29 teams in regards to trading him. That's not what is happening. I don't blame him but his intentions are not just to benefit the team. There is self serving intentions behind it also.


“I think I answered that question when I signed my long-term deal. I believe in ownership, I believe in Scott Howson. I love being a Blue Jacket, love the city, love the fans and that is something that will never change.”
Yet Nash requested a trade. As always, actions speak louder than words and Nash has lived by this as captain of this team always saying he leads by example. Actions are speaking volumes here.


“I think the biggest thing is when management said they were going to make a rebuild and a reshape, I thought the best thing for the team and for the organization would be to get assets for me, and I thought it would be best for my career.”

See above. He again had been coached by his agent Joe Resnick on what to say and the statement that it was best for all parties was something he will hang onto in an attempt to try to make everyone look good in the situation.

Then Nash was asked, “Best for your career, to go somewhere else?”

Nash responded with, “To be part of the rebuild.”

Don't completely understand this statement but believe he meant that it wouldn't be in his best interest to be part of a rebuild. Can't argue that.

Then Nash discussed what he told his teammates that he captains.

“It went over well – as well as it could, I guess. You know, it has been tough for them, especially with me being the leader, the captain. But I was honest with them and told them everything I’m telling you guys, and they all respected that, and supported me and stood behind me.”
His teammates are in the same business as them and they are all frustrated with the losing that has taken place in Columbus. I'm sure most would love to have the ability to walk in a request a trade and management would sit up and take notice. As fans, you forget that this is their job and if another coworker would get the chance to go to another organization that would be tops in the same industry instead of one that is the worst, it would be hard to argue why they would want to do that. Nash is a class guy and the locker room as a whole is pretty tight and like each other. This reaction doesn't shock me at all.

When asked if he can be captain with all that is going on, Nash stated, “That’s management’s decision.”

Later in the press conference, he better explained his feelings about the captaincy.

“I would love to keep it. I believe I’m the leader of this group right now, and these guys. I think, no matter what, nothing has changed in my mind. I will still lead by example and go out there and do everything I can to win games for this city and for these fans.”
Management is not going to take the captaincy away from Nash and create a bigger circus than what it already is. Also, Nash is not going to pull a Luke Richardson and rip the C off his sweater. He will continue to go out and do what he always has done. It's just what Nash does.

When approached with the situation that what he would do if the Blue Jackets can never get the assets that would justify in their mind to trade him.

“That’s something we’ll cross when it comes. But as of right now, I’ll wear this jersey with pride like I always have. I think I’ve always played my heart out for Mr. Mac (the late John H. McConnell), and for Mr. McConnell (the current majority owner, John P. McConnell) and I will continue to do that as long as I’m a Blue Jacket. And I’ll play my hardest for the fans, as well.”

Notice he didn't say that he would be happy to stay with the team. Notice he didn't say that then I was mistaken that the assets that they could get for me doesn't out weigh what I can do on the team. This statement also hedges his bet. What happens if the Blue Jackets get an elite level goaltender in the off season with a very solid defense that they have now assembled. Add in a Nail Yakupov and any other moves that the team can make. Ryan Johansen will be a year older and better. Cam Atkinson should be ready for a full season and help in regards to scoring along with Yakupov. The rebuild changes from a long term process into a very short time line that certainly could make Nash change his mind on his need to leave town.

I also believe that is why Howson set the price so high. He set it at a level that he knew no one would take but he could say he was negotiating in good faith to appease the Nash camp. By doing this Howson bought himself some time to make changes and try to get Nash back on the same page with the organization and put his heart back into wanting to stay.

When approached with that question, Nash diverted to Howson.

I went off of my conversation with management, and that is what they suggested to me. So that is probably a better question for (Howson).

When asked if he was disappointed by not getting traded by the deadline, Nash responded with:

“I understand that Scott has got to make a fair deal, and I want what is best for the team, the organization. I think these fans have been patient. They deserve the best. I think I understand that.”

Again, words are cheap and that's why you can read this for free. The actions by both parties going towards the NHL entry draft will have a lot to do on what this team will look like come next season. If Nash has already mentally left and there is no turning back, expect the Blue Jackets to blow up this team in the off season. If the team can get Nash back into their camp and buy into a short term rebuild, you just might see 61 skating in Nationwide Arena for many years to come.

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