Rick Nash Trade Rumors: New York Rangers Again Reportedly In Pursuit

Those Rick Nash to the New York Rangers rumors are getting cranked up again now that the 2012 NHL offseason is in full swing. The Rangers were rumored to be hot on the Columbus Blue Jackets' star's trail at the trade deadline last season. The rumor mill is once again connecting Nash to the Rangers.

The New York Post writes:

Just as was the case during the chase leading up to the Feb. 27 trade deadline, general manager Glen Sather remains unconcerned about the cap implications of the Columbus winger's contract that runs through 2017-18 at an annual $7.8 million charge that is exceeded in the NHL by only Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Eric Staal.

Rather, the GM is more apprehensive about the Rangers' lack of offense during the playoffs, in which the team was limited by Ottawa, Washington and New Jersey netminders to two goals or fewer in 15 of 20 games and could score as many as four only once, that in the opening game of the first round.

The Post reported that a half-dozen teams are interested in acquiring the high-scoring 28-year-old left wing from Columbus. Nash scored 30 goals last season, and has now scored at least 30 goals in seven of his eight full NHL seasons.

The Rangers were the top seed in the Eastern Conference entering the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, but were only 11th in the league in scoring (2.71 goals per game).

Would Nash be the answer, Rangers fans? And how much should GM Glen Sather give up to get him?