Scott Howson just might be the world's biggest Pittsburgh Penguins fan these days.
As the Columbus Blue Jackets general manager looks to make a deal for unhappy star winger Rick Nash, it's common knowledge that Zach Parise's decision on where to sign as a free agent is expected to be a key moment in the pursuit of Nash by a group of teams that has been rumored to include the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings, among others. After all, once Parise goes, the teams that lose out will look to move on to "Plan B," which likely involves Nash in some (if not all) cases.
With Parise reportedly choosing between the Devils, Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins, however, his destination will likely have a huge impact on what the Blue Jackets are able to get for their former No. 1 draft pick, particularly if Parise chooses Pittsburgh.
The Penguins already have the talent to be the best team in the NHL, with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and James Neal among their top forwards, Brooks Orpik and Kris Letang on the back end, and Marc-Andre Fleury in goal. Adding Parise to that mix would make the Penguins the clear leader in the Atlantic Division, unless the Rangers or Flyers could catch up by adding Nash (or possibly Anaheim winger Bobby Ryan, but his name doesn't carry nearly the same weight as Nash's).
With the Rangers reportedly balking at Howson's demands, Howson would undoubtedly love for the Blueshirts to have more of a sense of urgency for acquiring Nash, as it might enable him to acquire players previously considered to be out of the question (Chris Kreider, perhaps?). Likewise, the Flyers could be drawn into an arms race if the Penguins acquired Parise, and Howson might even be able to play the Atlantic Division rivals off of one another in a bidding war (although Howson's inability to deal Nash at the February trade deadline indicates that all of Nash's suitors will still have their limits).
Regardless of Parise's decision, the pursuit of Nash will intensify when the Devils winger makes his decision. However, his return to New Jersey or a departure of the Eastern Conference altogether wouldn't have the same impact on the Rangers and Flyers that the prospect of Parise playing alongside Crosby or Malkin in Pittsburgh.
Parise's decision was expected on Monday, but now, Tuesday is looking more likely (although far from certain). Among the teams watching and waiting, a Columbus team with no chance may be the most eager spectators of all.
