Blue Jacket's Dilemma

The Columbus Blue Jackets have a dilemma that extends well past this inept franchise's ability to win hockey games. It in fact may sink the franchise itself if they don't play their cards right. On the plus side, they have a big card to play. That would be Rick Nash. On the downside it looks like he, and his forty plus goal talent, will be playing for someone else in the near future as word came out that he is now available on the open market, for the right price of course. And that price is key to the future of the Columbus franchise. Nash has a no movement clause and has limited the number of teams he's willing to go to to 5 according to insider Bob Mackenzie (@TSNBobmackenzie). This limits the ability of Scott Howison to shop for options an given the ability of Rick Nash substantial payment should be expected. He can't afford to let him go for nothing or very little like in the case of Zedeno Chara or Ilya Kovalchuck. The franchise needs assets for the now and the long term in the exchange for this very talented player in order to be successful going forward. It's unfortunate things have fallen apart so quickly in the buckeye state and Jeff Carter's name, their big summer acquisition has also been rumored to be on the move. He hasn't produced, in fairness he has missed time due to injury, but who could blame him for be unhappy in such a disorganized situation after coming over from cup contending Philadelphia? And what to do with the substantial contract given to James Wisniewski? These players have to either perform better or be moved for ones who can as they are weighing down the ship. Nash has been a good solider and never complained about his situation as the only legitimate star on the team, but one can't help but think a change of scenery may be just the thing to boost him in the midst of a sub par season.