There is no doubt that Glen Sather lusted to bring Rick Nash to New York, but when the Rangers’ general manager stuck to his guns in resisting Columbus’ demands that the package in return would have to include either Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto plus either Derek Stepan or Carl Hagelin, plus Boston College winger Chris Kreider and Brandon Dubinsky, talks that went to the wire on Monday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline ultimately went nowhere.

Columbus GM Scott Howson rejected what is believed a Rangers’ final offer of Dubinsky, 21-year-old defenseman Tim Erixon, 2011 first-rounder J.T. Miller, 2010 second-rounder Christian Thomas and a first-round selection in this June’s Entry Draft.

Thus, Nash remains in Columbus until the offseason, when interested parties including the Rangets, Sharks, Maple Leafs and Flyers, plus perhaps the Canucks and Bruins, are likely to resubmit offers that could be sweetened depending on those clubs’ respective playoff performances.

The Blueshirts did make one move in acquiring John Scott, a hulking 29-year-old 6-8, 270-pound defenseman from the Blackhawks for a fifth-round draft choice.

Scott, who will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, has played in 29 games this year, with 48 PIM and one assist in 6:56 of ice time per. The defenseman mixed it up with Mike Rupp when the Blackhawks defeated the Rangers 4-2 at the Garden on Feb. 16.

He will become a depth player for the Rangers, who enter Monday’s game at the Garden against the Devils with an undisturbed roster that features 12 forwards and nine defensemen.

Steve Eminger, Jeff Woywitka and Scott will be the blue-line scratches against New Jersey while Stu Bickel remains in the lineup.