In the Columbus Dispatch, Michael Arace writes that seemingly everyone except for Scott Howson wants the Rick Nash saga to be over.

He notes that the Blue Jackets are looking for between 3 and 5 pieces that are a combination of high end prospects, NHL talent and draft picks.

Arace writes that the Blue Jackets either need to deal him or hold a press conference and say “We cannot get fair value for Nash. He means more to us than anyone, which is why we agreed to pay him $62.4 million over eight years. In any case, he is contractually obligated to suit up for our team. Period. And besides, we have no other forwards.”

He adds, “Trade him or keep him. Resolution is long overdue. This is turning into a joke, which is the last thing Columbus needs at this point of its rebuilding, or reshaping, or whatever it is.”