Written by: Matthew Blunk
King Henrik, help is on the way.
After several millennia centuries years months, the Columbus Blue Jackets have finally traded star forward Rick Nash.
Midway through last season, the Nash trade rumors began, and by the trade deadline, a deal seemed inevitable. Talks focused mainly on the New York Rangers, but Columbus GM Scott Howson could not find the deal he wanted.
Now, in the wake of the Philadelphia Flyers signing Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber to a 14-year, $110 million offer sheet, the Blue Jackets and Rangers have come to terms on a trade that will send Nash to New York in exchange for centers Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, defenseman prospect Tim Erixon, and a first-round draft pick.
Did Rangers GM Glen Sather feel a little push to keep up with talented division rival Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins? You bet. The Blueshirts needed a goal-scorer the caliber of Nash. They were an excellent defensive hockey team in 2011-12, along with Henrik Lundqvist's impeccable Vezina Trophy goaltending. It was enough to win the ridiculously-stacked Atlantic Division, lock down the top seed in the Eastern Conference, and reach the Eastern Conference Finals. But when it came down to it, the Rangers could not match the New Jersey Devils' dynamic playmakers and goal-scorers, and were eliminated in six games.
Nash scored 30 goals and finished with 59 points last season with the Blue Jackets, which would have put him third on New York's roster in points. The Rangers' leading scorer was Marian Gaborik (with 76), who may miss some time early in the 2012-13 season while recovering from shoulder surgery. So Nash will be relied on to make up for the loss of Gaborik early on.
But once the Slovakian returns to health, the Rangers should be able to score with the best of them. You know the John Tortorella philosophy of defense, shot-blocking, and goaltending will be there. But you've got to believe we'll be hearing a lot more "Whoa-oh-ohhhh!" next season as well.
Edmonton Oilers lock up Jordan Eberle with 6-year deal
Written by: Matthew Blunk
The Philadelphia Flyers aren't the only NHL team keeping busy this summer.
One week after locking up left wing Taylor Hall with a seven-year contract, the Edmonton Oilers signed forward Jordan Eberle to a six-year, $36 million extension. The newly "man-strong" Eberle posted 34 goals and 76 points in 78 during the 2011-12 season, in a breakout campaign for the 22-year-old right wing.
Flyers sign Scott Hartnell, Wayne Simmonds to extensions
Written by: Matthew Blunk
Amidst the uncertainty of this NHL offseason, with murmurs of a potential lockout to come, the Philadelphia Flyers have signed two more players to long-term deals.
Philadelphia signed forward Wayne Simmonds to a 6-year, near $24 million extension on Aug. 16. On Monday, the Flyers agreed to extend forward Scott Hartnell with a 6-year, $28.5 million deal. …
Top 50 NHL players of the 2012 season
Written by: Matthew Blunk
1) Evgeni Malkin, C - Pittsburgh Penguins
2) Sidney Crosby, C - Pittsburgh Penguins
3) Claude Giroux, C - Philadelphia Flyers
4) Steven Stamkos, F - Tampa Bay Lightning
5) Jonathan Quick, G - Los Angeles Kings
6) Alexander Ovechkin, F - Washington Capitals
7) Henrik Lundqvist, G - New York Rangers
