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According to ESPN's Kerry Strang, the New York Rangers are likely no longer pursuing Rick Nash of the Columbus Blue Jackets, due to the very high trade demands for Nash.

Scott Howson, the general manager for the Blue Jackets, reportedly has said that his demands for Nash are "non negotiable."

Howson's demands are believed to be a roster player, top prospect and a first-round pick, if not more.

And according to TSN's Darren Dreger, Howson's demands actually increased today.

Although the Rangers are not definitively giving up on Nash, it does not seem realistic (or likely) at this point, Strang says.

The Rangers were at one point frontrunners in acquiring Nash, but the Rangers general manager Glen Sather was unwilling to give up top prospects and star players, such as Michael Del Zotto and Ryan McDonagh.

Sather was willing to offer Brandon Dubinsky, Christian Thomas, 2010 first-rounder Dylan McIlrath, plus a first-round pick to acquire Nash.

Nash's agent Joe Resnick is persistent on a deal being struck for Nash, whether it is by the NHL trade deadline or this summer.

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"If a deal is not reached, then the list of acceptable teams will not change at a later date," said Resnick.

"We're hopeful a deal can get done prior to the trade deadline that is fair and equitable to the Blue Jackets."

Sather choosing to not trade away top prospects and star players such as Dubinsky and McDonagh will no doubt win Ranger fans approval.

However, the question remains: if the Rangers do not acquire Nash, should they pursue other options, or leave the team intact?

We'll find out by tomorrow.