Rick Nash found the net in what very well might be his final game with the Columbus Blue Jackets. In what could be a fitting end, Columbus still ended up losing as the Pittsburgh Penguins topped them 4-2. Nash has 21 goals and 43 points with a -23 rating and 32 PIM in 62 games this season. Those aren't astronomical numbers but they could balloon if he finds himself in the right situation if a trade happens.

There are still strong rumors that Rick Nash will be traded to the San Jose Sharks. There are so many connections with the Sharks' Joe Thornton. Nash and Thornton have played together on the same line internationally in both the Olympics and during the NHL lockout. Joe's brother John is a partner and co-founder with Nash's agent Joe Resnick inTop Shelf Sports Management, a firm that represents both Jumbo Joe and Nash. The Sharks allegedly balked at the Blue Jackets' asking price for Nash of Logan Couture. However, things can change as the deadline approaches. Stay tuned.

The Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly still talking to Columbus about the possibility of a Rick Nash trade. That being said, the Flyers and Blue Jackets talks haven't gotten serious yet. We wouldn't classify Philadelphia as the most likely destination for Nash, but they certainly have the pieces to make something happen if they decide to get him. That being said, Nash's $7.8 million annual cap hit could be particularly hard for Philadelphia to absorb in the long run. The San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers are also believed to be in the mix.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly hoping to get one or more forwards in return in any deal involving Rick Nash. That casts some doubt on the feasibility of a recently reported package that linked the Rangers to Rick Nash. It was reported that the Rangers might send Michael Del Zotto or Ryan McDonagh, along with prospect Tim Erixon and a first round pick in a Nash deal. All three of those Rangers players are blueliners. The San Jose Sharks are also believed to be pursuing Nash.

The Rick Nash camp said publicly that they're hoping Nash will be dealt before the trade deadline. "We're hopeful a deal can get done prior to the trade deadline that is fair and equitable for the Blue Jackets," Nash's agent said. "However, if a deal is not reached, then the list of acceptable teams will not change at a later date." There was a previous report that suggested that the New York Rangers and Blue Jackets might be making progress on a deal that would involve Michael Del Zotto or Ryan McDonagh. The San Jose Sharks are also believed to be interested in Nash and it's entirely possible that other teams have been negotiating for Nash's services while remaining under the radar.

The Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers have reportedly made some progress towards a potential trade involving Rick Nash. The Rangers would reportedly provide Columbus with Michael Del Zotto or Ryan McDonagh, along with prospect Tim Erixon and a first round pick. Keep in mind that nothing is set in stone right now and we wouldn't be surprised if there are other teams, like the San Jose Sharks, that are still in the mix.

Rick Nash left the bench in the third period but returned later in the game. There was huge speculation in the press box that Nash had been dealt when he left, but he returned almost seven minutes later and played two more shifts before the end of the game. "My understanding is he wasn't feeling very well," coach Todd Richards said. "He wasn't feeling good before the game. The trainer came up to me (in the third) and said he needed to get away from the bench for a little bit." Stay tuned as there will be speculation on where Nash is headed (if anywhere) until the 3 pm ET trade deadline Monday.

Neil Smith, who was the New York Rangers general manager when they won the Stanley Cup in 1994, doesn't think his former team should trade for Rick Nash. "I wouldn't trade for a huge player at this point when you're sitting where the Rangers are," Smith said. "I wouldn't trade Rick Nash if I was in Columbus. And the reason is, those (top-tier) guys, you only get a shot at those kind of guys once in a decade, if that." Nash is more than just a top-tier guy for Columbus, he's the face of the team and the only icon that the young franchise has ever known. All the same, he's reportedly not happy in Columbus anymore and the Blue Jackets are willing to part ways with him. At this point, it sounds like the only question left is if any NHL team will be willing to meet the Blue Jackets' reportedly high asking price. It's believed that the San Jose Sharks are interested in Nash's services, while the Los Angeles Kings are believed to be out of the running after acquiring Jeff Carter.

Apparently Rick Nash was not interested in joining the Los Angeles Kings according to the Los Angeles Times. The Kings dealt for the Blue Jackets other scorer, Jeff Carter, once it was determined that Nash would not agree to a trade to the City of Angels. The Blue Jackets will still have discussions with the few teams that Nash has agreed to be traded to, but a deal may not occur by Monday's trade deadline.

The San Jose Sharks are trying to acquire Columbus' Rick Nash. As seems to be the case with most teams, it's reportedly the Blue Jackets' high asking price that's standing in the way of a deal. According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Sharks balked at a proposal from Columbus that included Logan Couture. However, it sounds like the Sharks haven't given up and they're still trying to find a way to make a trade work. Rick Nash playing with Joe Thornton could prove to be a devastating combination.