Eric Smith: Nash Speaks 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.

Eric Smith: Nash Speaks
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.
- Jackets Attack

You almost sound surprised that Nash is trying to backtrack a little on what he and his agent were saying before. I think he wants out, but also wants to save face, and I honestly don't blame him for either. I disagree that this team could have a short turn around with free agency and improve so quickly. This team needs a lot, and I think it starts with the front office.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with his statement.

He said the org wanted to rebuild, he knows he wont win there and has said although he loves the area, the fans, and the org... he wants whats best for his career. He wants to win for a change. So let me explain how I interpreted it...

Nash: I wanna win a championship... and I have waited for 9 years.. playing with poop quality players... and never complained, never cried about this situation. Yet the org lets me know that they are planning a rebuild, I open up to them and let them know that I wanna win for once, and i dont feel like waiting another 5 years to "possibly" be a contender. I know that if they were to trade me I could bring in the assets they need to complete said rebuild.

So lets see.. Nash wants to win... now, Howson and co. want to rebuild... now, so why not trade him?

Nash has been nothing but stellar through all of this.

I don't understand why Howson made it known that Nash asked to be traded. Regardless what you think of Nash and his request, it seems to me that Howson's hand would be weakened if others knew Nash requested the trade. Anybody remember the Heatly situation in Ottawa? Murray was extremely mad that Heatly made it known that he wanted out.

I don't claim to follow Columbus or their drafting/personnel movements, but Howson should be shown the door asap. Furthermore, once you get to this point with a star like Nash, he's already gone. Just make sure you don't have the same lousy GM making the deal.

Well said Jak, I couldn't agree more, Nash has been a star player and dedicated for almost a decade. What bugs me the most in this blog is this "I don't blame him but his intentions are not just to benefit the team. There is self serving intentions behind it also." No kidding, its Nash's career not yours or the fans or the teams, he is the one playing and if he would like a change of scenery to help better the team and his own personal career than good on him, and what better time than when managment indicates to him that they are rebuilding.

Great player who has gone above and beyond with this team, its time for a change for both parties.

I normally don't come down on the side of a player who is asking for a trade, but in Nash's case, how many failed rebuilds is it fair to ask one man to endure while he watches the crowds dwindle at Nationwide? He's been there 9 seasons now and Columbus has never been able to pair him with an elite center, or build a team around him that can be consistently competitive. After 9 years of this, I think a desire for a fresh start in the face of yet another is understandable.

And as for wavering in his stance, he is actually doing Howson and CBJ a favor. If he came out and said "I want out of this mickey mouse operation no matter what" all it does is drive down his value because other GM's know Howson has no choice but to make a deal. By leaving the door open to stay, it helps Howson make a better deal, and don't forget it was Howson that told everyone that Nash requested a trade!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with his statement.

He said the org wanted to rebuild, he knows he wont win there and has said although he loves the area, the fans, and the org... he wants whats best for his career. He wants to win for a change. So let me explain how I interpreted it...

Nash: I wanna win a championship... and I have waited for 9 years.. playing with poop quality players... and never complained, never cried about this situation. Yet the org lets me know that they are planning a rebuild, I open up to them and let them know that I wanna win for once, and i dont feel like waiting another 5 years to "possibly" be a contender. I know that if they were to trade me I could bring in the assets they need to complete said rebuild.

So lets see.. Nash wants to win... now, Howson and co. want to rebuild... now, so why not trade him?

Nash has been nothing but stellar through all of this.
- jak521

I agree.

I don't understand why Howson made it known that Nash asked to be traded. Regardless what you think of Nash and his request, it seems to me that Howson's hand would be weakened if others knew Nash requested the trade. Anybody remember the Heatly situation in Ottawa? Murray was extremely mad that Heatly made it known that he wanted out.

I don't claim to follow Columbus or their drafting/personnel movements, but Howson should be shown the door asap. Furthermore, once you get to this point with a star like Nash, he's already gone. Just make sure you don't have the same lousy GM making the deal.
- madmike71

Agree. Howson even said he waited after the trade deadline to go public, because he knew it would hurt his value.

He is trying to say it won't change anything for this off season, but this is foolish.

It was a retarded move by the GM.

Why are you so cynical? I honestly believe Nash has done nothing but give his heart and soul to this organization.

He asked for a trade as he realizes he's the best asset the team has to improve "the team". There's not one shred of evidence to prove he believes otherwise about that portion of this mess. He wants the fans to enjoy winning and if that means he needs to be traded so the overall team can get better, so be it.

He too wants to win, heck maybe someday hold the Stanley Cup. I do not blame him for being ready for a new chapter in his hockey career before it's too late. This organization and team are a complete mess and good for him to want to try and better the situation for everyone involved.

Why do reporters feel they need to pick apart everything piece by piece and then create hypothetical/conspiracy theories? Take it for what it is and let's move on.

Be happy that we've been blessed for 10 years to have a player of his caliber when no one else was willing to come here.

Be happy that this opportunity just might bring back the assets this team needs to be better.

Be happy that Priest/Howson know what they're doing....NOT! just making sure you're paying attention

There is absolutely nothing wrong with his statement.

He said the org wanted to rebuild, he knows he wont win there and has said although he loves the area, the fans, and the org... he wants whats best for his career. He wants to win for a change. So let me explain how I interpreted it...

Nash: I wanna win a championship... and I have waited for 9 years.. playing with poop quality players... and never complained, never cried about this situation. Yet the org lets me know that they are planning a rebuild, I open up to them and let them know that I wanna win for once, and i dont feel like waiting another 5 years to "possibly" be a contender. I know that if they were to trade me I could bring in the assets they need to complete said rebuild.

So lets see.. Nash wants to win... now, Howson and co. want to rebuild... now, so why not trade him?

Nash has been nothing but stellar through all of this.
- jak521

I agree with this. There's no way anyone can paint Nash as a bad guy here. You are right; he waited for 9 years to win and they now want to rebuild again. I'd be out of there too if I had my way.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with his statement.

He said the org wanted to rebuild, he knows he wont win there and has said although he loves the area, the fans, and the org... he wants whats best for his career. He wants to win for a change. So let me explain how I interpreted it...

Nash: I wanna win a championship... and I have waited for 9 years.. playing with poop quality players... and never complained, never cried about this situation. Yet the org lets me know that they are planning a rebuild, I open up to them and let them know that I wanna win for once, and i dont feel like waiting another 5 years to "possibly" be a contender. I know that if they were to trade me I could bring in the assets they need to complete said rebuild.

So lets see.. Nash wants to win... now, Howson and co. want to rebuild... now, so why not trade him?

Nash has been nothing but stellar through all of this.
- jak521

Absolutely right.

Well said

Nash is a good guy. I've wanted him outta Colubus since he was drafted there.

Nash has toiled in obscurity for his entire career. He held his silence until Howson went public.

Every team in the league would love his skill, his work ethic and his leadership. He hasn't pulled a Pronger or Heatley here.