Rumor: Nash returning to NYC?

Now that the 2016-17 season is officially over for the New York Rangers, let the offseason evaluations begin. At the top of the list: what do the Rangers do with 32 year-old Rick Nash?

When asked about his future with the team earlier today, Nash replied ”I plan on being here, I plan on being a Ranger." The question is, do the Rangers plan on him being there? Nash is entering the final year of his monster 8 year, $62.4 million contract that comes with an annual cap hit of $7.8 million. Nash carries a full no-movement clause in his deal which means he’ll need to be protected in the upcoming expansion draft, but that doesn’t preclude the Rangers from finding an amenable trade partner or buying out the veteran forward.

During his time in New York, Nash has both excited and frustrated Rangers fans. The lanky goal scorer often displays his tremendous skill and physicality but his inconsistency often drives Rangers fans crazy. With contract decisions to be made with Mika Zibanejad and Brendan Smith, Nash could see himself being squeezed out of the team’s plans moving forward.