Report: Rick Nash Traded to New York Rangers

It's finally over. Our long national nightmare has ended. Rick Nash has been traded to the New York Rangers (pending a trade call to the league).

TSN's Darren Dreger broke the story and Bob MacKenzie revealed some of the final pieces of the puzzle going back to the Blue Jackets.

So, to review, as per @DarrenDreger, it's Anisimov. Dubinsky, Erixon and a 1st rd pick to CBJ for Rick Nash.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) July 23, 2012

My first reaction to the trade was "that's it?" So much for Columbus GM Scott Howson getting the giant haul he wanted. Apparently a third round pick and a minor league defenseman are going to the Rangers too. Nice job, Howson.

Of course, these players aren't a bunch of scrubs, but you don't see Chris Kreider's name in that tweet. Howson got his two NHL-ready forwards. He got a young defenseman who could play the BJs next season. He got a 1st round pick. He didn't get garbage in return, but the way he prolonged the whole trading process, I was expecting to see more going his way.

What does this mean for the Red Wings? Well, goodbye Rick Nash! Detroit no longer has to play against him six times a season. The Central Division loses another all-star player and the offseason trend of teams standing still or getting worse continues. If Nash wasn't coming to Detroit, I'm glad he went East. I'd still love to know who was involved in that "hell of an offer" the Wings made to Howson.

What are you thoughts on the latest departure from the Central Division?