Rick Nash Trade

Rick Nash is shipping it up to Boston. The 33 year old, 6 time All Star got dealt to Boston this morning for Ryan Spooner, Matt Beleskey, Ryan Lindgren, a 2018 first rounder and a 2019 seventh rounder. Nash is having a down year this year with 18 goals and 10 assists total, but it’s still a good move for both teams.

Here is a breakdown, I think this trade is almost dead even. Yes Spooner is having a better year than Nash, but there is no argument that Nash is more skilled, and the Bruins have always been somewhat linked to Rick Nash since he was a free agent and went to New York. So having the Bruins pull the trigger on this deal now makes sense. Also it shows the Bruins have a direction, clearly making this move in pursuit of the cup. Like stated before, Spooner is having a better statistical season, but adding a veteran piece and a guy who has been in the Playoffs and to a Stanley Cup Final is huge. Ryan Lindgren is a decent defensive prospect , but he is a few years away and with Bergeron , Chara , Backes and even Marchand not getting any younger, the team has switched into a win- now mode. A first round pick is  very valuable on the trade market, granted it will be a late first round pick. Now to dealing Matt Beleskey, the Bruins’ other winning move in this trade. He has played in 14 games and has not recorded 1 point….with a 5 year, 19 million  dollar contract signed in 2015. That is a lot of money to pay someone who plays in the AHL.

I honestly do believe that both teams made a good trade here. New York gets picks to try and jump- start a quick rebuild, a decent NHL player in Spooner, and a prospect in Lindgren. The Bruins get Rick Nash, a guy who has been where they want to go and a good veteran talent, and they dump the Matt Beleskey contract. Both teams got what they wanted. But do not be surprised if Nash has a good remainder of the season with the Bruins. He had to be THE guy in New York, but in Boston he will be surrounded with other veteran talent. I expect  a seamless transition and a good turnout for Nash in Boston.

Written by Mason Wilkins