NHL Trade Rumors: Rick Nash would accept trade to Maple Leafs

Rick Nash holds some control over where the New York Rangers would trade him, but he would approve of a move to at least one known team.

Even though they’re narrowly out of a playoff spot right now, the New York Rangers have declared themselves to be sellers heading into the NHL trade deadline on Feb. 26. One of their most movable players is Rick Nash (and his expiring contract), but the veteran left winger has a modified no-trade clause to prevent a move if he desires.

According to the New York Post, Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton asked Nash for the list of 18 teams he won’t accept a trade to last week. On Saturday, Nash indicated he would accept a trade to a team in Canada, with teams in playoff position given some priority.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are one such team, in Canada and with the third-best point total in the Eastern Conference. According to Frank Seravalli of TSN, the Maple Leafs are indeed on the list of teams Nash is willing to be moved to.

Nash is a native of Brampton, Ontario, Canada. He also has a tie to Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock from international competition with Team Canada, earning Olympic gold medals in 2010 (Vancouver) and 2014 (Sochi).

Nash has 17 goals and 27 points in 56 games for the Rangers this season, with three power play goals. Due in part to missed time, he has not reached 40 points in three of the last four full seasons, and his best is definitely behind him at 33 years old.

Next: NHL Trade Deadline: 5 players who will be dealt

The Rangers have a pretty steep asking price for Nash, as they reportedly want a first-round pick, a top prospect and another prospect or pick in return. The Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues are among the teams with rumored interest, with the Predators and Stars (per Seravilli) also believed to be on Nash’s list of approved teams.