The Detroit Red Wings didn't appear to be serious contenders for Rick Nash since they are in the same division as the Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus wanted far too much to begin with, and for the Red Wings to pull off a trade for Nash, it would've taken an awful lot.
As of Monday afternoon, the Red Wings appear to be officially out of the Nash sweepstakes. This is because he is about to be traded to the New York Rangers. A deal isn't official yet, but it's on the verge of being completed.
Rick Nash trade to New York Rangers in process now. Details to follow.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 23, 2012
It'll be interesting to see how much New York ends up giving up in order to make this deal happen. While the Red Wings won't be the team acquiring Nash, he is now out of the division, and the players sent to Columbus in return for him will go up against the Red Wings six times a season.
In general, this news means that yet another potential option for the Red Wings to upgrade their offense is now off the table. They are still waiting to hear from Shane Doan, and there is still talk that Bobby Ryan could be a potential trade target. Their options are certainly dwindling, though.
For more coverage of Detroit's offseason, stay right here with this StoryStream. For more on the Wings, head over to Winging It In Motown. And for more news and analysis this offseason, be sure to visit SB Nation's NHL hub.