Via Eklund @ HockeyBuzz.com
Probability 20%
OK, ill be honest, on this one I am a little biased. Nash is, and has been my favourite hockey player in the NHL for quite some time. Sure his numbers are not that of the elite NHLers (talking Crosby/Ovechkin) but for arguments sake, he has had no secondary help since he arrived in Columbus in fact arguably the best line mate he has had is Dan Fritsche (Who?... EXACTLY). If you have had the pleasure of watching Nash play for team Canada you will understand why this guy can be the face of your franchise and a perennial 40 goal scorer. A Kessel-Nash-Lupul first line would be deadly for the leafs and instantly make them a sleeper team going into the playoffs.
It has been widely reported that the Leafs are the #1 front runner to acquire one of the big 2 in Columbus (Nash or Carter, a big 1st line center) and given Carters massive contract which Burke has shied away from I feel like a deal for Nash is more likely (why I have the probability at 20%). Via HockeyBuzz lets take a look at the cap hits involved in this trade, and I will break down each players impact on the Leafs.
Nash = $7.8 Million through 2017-18
Huselius = $4.5 Million through 2011-12(UFA)(out till mid February with groin injury)
Total : $12.3 Million
Vs
Grabovski = $2.9 Million through 2011-12(UFA)
Schenn = $3.6 Million through 2015-16
Kadri = $1.72 Million through 2012-13
Komisarek = $4.5 Million through 2013-14
Total : $12.7 Million
From Columbus
Rick Nash - 7.8 mill may seem like a lot, but we have to remember he is an elite NHLer... Nash's impact on the leafs would make them not only a playoff team, but a dangerous one.
Christian Huselius - At a cap hit of 4.5 he is a little pricey, but seeing as we are currently paying the same to Komisarek - a NHL journeyman who would be traveling to Columbus in the deal there is wiggle room. Although Huselius has been injured, he is no doubt a 20 goal man.
From Toronto
Grabovski - It would hurt to see him go, but as a UFA at the end of the year he will no doubt get a raise, and the way he is playing now (24 pts in 19 games) now may be the perfect time to get top dollar in return.
Schenn - Once considered the future captain of the biggest team in hockey Schenn has never quite lived up to the high expectations, but he still currently sits at +10 and would be an asset to any team
Kadri - One of the best prospects the leafs have, but seeing as they are the 2nd youngest team in the league and Joe Colbourne is waiting in the minors... at this point Kadri is expendable.
Komisarek - I would simply love to get rid of this guy and his contract.
Although Columbus will have many teams interested I believe the Leafs are well suited to make a bid for Nash. My fingers are certainly crossed and if a deal goes down, I will be first in line to buy his jersey.
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