Sure, the rumors have been circulating for a while – but is a Rick Nash reunion with the Blue Jackets actually possible?

They're certainly looking for a forward and preferably one who can score goals. With the New York Rangers fading from playoff contention and on the verge of selling off multiple players, Nash (an unrestricted free agent on July 1) is believed to be one of the players on the trading block.

Sportsnet insider Chris Johnston, one of the industry's most plugged-in sources, said Thursday there's talk that Columbus "could be a potential landing spot" for Nash. 

"We know the Blue Jackets are interested in adding forward depth," Johnston said. "It certainly seems like Rick is in his way out, and the Blue Jackets are looking for a player who can bring the sort of things he has."

The Blue Jackets have the cap space to absorb what's left of Nash's $7.8 million cap hit (the final year of a contract he signed with Columbus in 2009), and perhaps they could convince the Rangers to eat some of that if they sweetened the deal.

We're now three-ish weeks from the trade deadline and the talk is only going to pick up, but this is by far the most intriguing connection to date.

Entering Thursday's games, the 33-year-old Nash had 15 goals and 25 points in 50 games with the Rangers in 2017-18. 

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