Random Nash thoughts/responses
1. The Rangers are not trading Nash if they are in the playoffs, unless its a lateral move a la Gaborik. The Rangers, even more than other organization, like money. Especially playoff money. I am not advocating they keep Nash, but that is likely the reality. The Rangers wont do anything to hurt a potential playoff appearance or run. Any ideas to the contrary is EA Sports wishful thinking.
2. Nash's play hasn't improved at all recently. The puck is just going in. He wasn't going to be shooting 1/3 of his normal shooting percentage the entire season. His shooting percentage is still low but closer to normal and hes now on pace for ~27 goals. Honestly with the amount of in-close chances he's had he should double digit goals already, even with his limp shot.
3. 20 goals is not tweener territory any more. Its 2nd line production and its closer to 1st line than 3rd line. The last 4 years the league has average about 98 20 goal scorers, or about 3 per team. He is also not really a true 20 goal scorer, he just never plays a full season anymore. So what he gives you is going to vary from year to year, perhaps wildly vary depending on his health. It will be contingent on the teams assessment of his health risks, but I would assume Nash is easily worth 4 million a year, if not here then somewhere.
4. Nash has been fine in the playoffs since '14. His post season is as predictable as his regular season; if he is healthy than he produces. If you are really still hung up on the cup run then go back in time and wrap some bubble wrap around his head. I don't know what else to tell you. Either way, assuming he wont produce in the playoffs is nonsensical. He was one of our best players during the '15 run.
5. Nash was never a Crosby/Ovie level player when he was in Columbus but he was an elite scorer. He led the league in goals his sophomore year. He was top 10 in total goals scored during his tenure in CBJ, top 5 when discounting his rookie season. He was both a prolific producer and someone who was entertaining to watch; his goal against Phoenix would probably be the reigning goal of the century if not for Ovie's goal, comically enough also against Phoenix. So as compelling as the "Lulz he sux y peeps no h8 him??" argument is, that's the reason why peeps no h8 him.