Columbus Blue Jackets: What If Rick Nash was Never Traded
The structure of the Columbus Blue Jackets changed when they traded their captain, Rick Nash, to the New York Rangers. What if this trade never occurred?
The first what if for the Columbus Blue Jackets is what if Rick Nash had never asked for a trade out of Columbus. Rick Nash was traded to the New York Rangers for Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon, and a first round pick before the 2012-2013 season.
This trade turned out to be huge for Columbus. The Blue Jackets got a core piece in Brandon Dubinsky, who has been a leader on and off the ice in Columbus. Dubinsky is fiery and is a spark plug for the Jackets. Dubinsky does not blow you away statistically, but he has changed the culture in Columbus.
Artem Anisimov was the biggest piece, but not because of his contribution in Columbus but because of what he was traded for. If Anisimov never came to Columbus, he would have never been part of the trade that brought Brandon Saad to Columbus. Saad added 50 plus points in his two seasons with Columbus.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Saad was later traded back to Chicago for super star winger Artemi Panarin. Panarin adds a missing piece to the Blue Jackets offense. This trade makes sense for both teams, but Columbus adds more skill with Panarin.
What If None of This Happened
If Rick Nash was still a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets, they would not be a team on the rise like they are now. Columbus had to trade Nash, but they were hand cuffed by Nash because he was the face of the franchise.
Nash gave the Blue Jackets an out asking for a trade. Even though it was an ugly break up with the former captain this was truly the best scenario for both sides. Columbus gained assets that they desperately needed due to poor management, and Nash was able to move on and try and win elsewhere.
The Blue Jackets would never have been able to land their offensive punch, and they would not have one of their best leaders in Brandon Dubinsky. Columbus would be vying for the lottery instead of vying for a division title.