Columbus captain Rick Nash isn't looking for a solution to the team's problem from referee Stephen Walkom, but it might just be moving on to another NHL city. (Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press)
In the world of NHL hockey, it is a badge of honour in many ways to remain with the same team for your entire career. It speaks of a player's loyalty to team and a town. It speaks of consistency and achievement. It also is not always the best for either the player or the team.
Take the case of Rick Nash.
After having watched him play another uninspired game for the Columbus Blue Jackets, I can't help but think that a trade would be beneficial for both player and club. Let's face it. The ship has sailed on Columbus. Their season is already over. With just under 20 games played, they are on pace for less than 15 wins for the season.
Hardly playoff contenders.
And this is not to put the blame solely on the player. But the reality of the mess screams for significant change. It ain't working so fix it. A player of Nash calibre could command a king's ransom in a deal. Especially if the player himself could begin to show more flashes of being an elite player. Four goals to date puts him in the average slot.
It is a tough call. An obviously loyal Nash opted to stay local even though free agency would have provided safe passage to a hockey hotbed/winner. He stayed in Columbus to help bring success to the franchise that gave him his start.
Noble. But when the player becomes as stale as Nash seems to be, and when a franchise like Columbus cannot find its way out of troubled waters, you have to be bold.
Time for Nash and the Jackets to look at this option. It very well might be the best option they have to rejuvenate his career and to begin yet again the rebuilding of the team...
By the way, in Calgary ...
Mike Milbury
Mike is a regular member of the Hockey Night in Canada broadcast team as an analyst, bringing more than 30 years of experience as a NHL defenceman, coach, executive and broadcaster to his role. He is a regular contributor to The Hot Stove and Coast to Coast segments.
