Nash to Rangers:

After months of speculation, Rick Nash is getting his wish and is on the move to the New York Rangers.

Details to follow.

UPDATE: 11:48 am

The final piece in the deal is Artem Anisimov according to Bob MacKenzie.

To NYR:
Rick Nash

To CBJ:
F Brandon Dubinsky
F Artem Anisimov
D Tim Erixon
1st round pick

Analysis after the jump:



Well that happened quick. In the span of about 30 minutes, Rick Nash has been traded to the New York Rangers. Many believed that if the Flyers were going to get Weber, the Rangers were going to up their offer to get Nash.

Let's take a look at the pieces in the trade:

Dubinsky looked like a promising young player not too long ago but fell out of favor with the organization. He will look to get his career back on track with a new team in the Blue Jackets. The expectations were set high for Dubinsky as he increased his points total in each of his first four seasons (40, 41, 44, 54 respectively). Coming off a 24 goal season in 2010-2011, expectations were high for Dubinsky to make the leap to being a premier goal scorer. Instead of improving, he regressed and only scored 10 goals and 34 points...his lowest totals in the NHL.

Anisimov might be known more for his goal scoring celebrations than his actual goal scoring (his controversial point and shoot during a game against Tampa Bay caused quite a stir). Anisimov has put up decent points with the Rangers and will get a chance to be a top six or nine forward with the Blue Jackets.If he can maintain his scoring output of 15-18 goals and 20-25 assists he could be a decent pick up. The Russian factor may come into play as Columbus has had an awful track reccord when it comes to Russians.
If Anisimov gets top six ice time look for his points and goal totals to increase.

Erixon appears to be the best piece in the trade as he is a top prospect but there are reservations. This is now Erixon's third organization after the Calgary Flames drafted him but were unable to work out a deal with the young defenseman. He was then traded to the New York Rangers and hoped to play there but will now take his talents to Columbus. Most people believe the skill set and hockey IQ is there, he just needed to build up his body and mature.

The first round pick will likely be a late pick as the Rangers now have a team that features Brad Richards, Marian Gaborik, Henrik Lundqvist, Rick Nash and Ryan Callahan.

I think that from a New York stand point, this is a great deal. They acquire a difference maker without giving up a difference maker. They got the player they wanted without breaking up their own core.

New York got the best player in this trade bar none. Some people (including myself) believe that Nash is past his prime but playing on a competitive team with a solid supporting cast could be enough give him that extra boost to up his game.

Regardless, Rick Nash will be in red white and blue next season...it just won't be with Columbus.