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The general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets must be pretty chuffed with how yesterday unfolded. Now that Zach Parise has signed with the Minnesota Wild, GM Scott Howson should be able to trade Rick Nash -- for the right return -- with greater ease. As Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch suggests, sniper options are becoming rather limited otherwise.

"... With Parise off the board, NHL clubs looking for 30-goal scorers have only one option -- a trade -- and only two known players to pursue, the Blue Jackets' Nash and Anaheim's Bobby Ryan ..."

Alexander Semin and Shane Doan are still unrestricted free agents, but Portzline's point is sound in general.

The Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and San Jose Sharks are confirmed to be on Nash's list of 'approved' clubs. And there's word the Jackets captain may be willing to expand that list, in light of enthusiastic interest from a team like the Carolina Hurricanes.

It would now be in everyone's best interest -- Howson's included -- to get a deal done sooner rather than later.

The HockeyFanLand insight

Regardless, of the team Rick Nash  eventually ends up playing for  I believe he will become one of the very best National Hockey League players  As a result of the move. Nash is the player that possesses all the qualities that would make him capable of being a 100 point producer on a competitive club. 

I believe this is the main reason Rick Nash wants out of Columbus. they just haven't been able to compete consistently. The 6"4" 216 pound 28-year-old from Brampton, Ontario has been the face of the Columbus Blue Jackets for nine seasons. Since being named the first overall pick of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. 

I have actually promoted a Rick Nash move from Columbus for a number of years. I'm still puzzled as to why he signed the big contract. A lot of people are concerned about the cap-hit Nash carries. However, if you are interested in winning should not see this as a problem!