Future is unclear for the Blue Jackets and Rick Nash

Despite scoring 30 goals, things were not good in 2011-12 for Rick Nash or the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the off season they aquired James Wisniewski from Montreal and Jeff Carter from Philadelphia. Many had them in the playoffs. But Carter failed to develop chemisry with anyone and was traded to the LA Kings for okay defenseman Jack Johnson, where he is a key member of their playoff run. Antoinne Vermette was traded to Phoenix. Rumors were floating around of a possible Nash deal. But he wasn't traded and it was later discovered that he asked for a trade. The Jackets finished last in the NHL with less than 60 points. It still wasn't enough to land the first overall draft pick. It is rumored a deal could take place in the entry draft in Pittsburgh. Here are some of the potential destinations. An unlikely scenario is the New York Rangers. The Rangers would have to give up Ryan Mcdonaugh or Michael Del Zotto, or even Dan Girardi, something they don`t want to do. A more likely scenario is a swap with the sharks involving Joe Pavelski. The Sharks had an extremely dissapointing season and Nash could help them a lot. A longshot would be the LA Kings. The Kings were active in trying to get Nash at the deadline but ultimately settled on Jeff Carter. Although it appears to have worked out for them. Plus with big contracts to Carter and Mike Richards, I really don`t see this happening. Another option is the Nashville Predators. It would certainly help keep Shea Weber and Ryan Suter in Nashville. No names have popped up but I feel that Martin Erat would have to be involved. Another option is Toronto. Nash was born in Ontario so he would be happy to play for the Leafs. This would likely result in Toronto breaking up the duo of Joffrey Lupul and Phil Kessel. But it would be worth it. Another option is Montreal. Remember, the Habs have the number three overall pick in the draft this year. Columbus has the number two pick. I think Columbus would like the idea of back to back top five picks. It would help them build towards a likely Nash-less future. Speculation says it`s either the pick or Tomas Plekanec. The last one is the Canucks. Roberto Luongo is on the market. But the Jackets are not on his list. It`s a longshot but the deal could include Cory Schneider while the Canucks keep Luongo. But that is highly unlikely. No matter what happens, it should be an interesting draft day for the Columbus Blue Jackets.