Rangers pick up Nash in a trade

Posted: July 25, 2012

Months after asking the Columbus Blue Jackets to trade him, forward Rick Nash had his wish granted and is headed to the New York Rangers.

Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson announced Monday the club had dealt the big right winger, the team's captain and career leader in most offensive categories, along with a 2013 third-round draft pick and a minor-league defenseman. In return, the Rangers sent centers Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov, defenseman Tim Erixon, and a first-round pick next year.

Signings

The Florida Panthers and right winger Kris Versteeg agreed to a four-year contract and eliminated the need for a scheduled arbitration hearing.

The Edmonton Oilers signed the top pick in this year's draft, right winger Nail Yakupov, to a three-year, entry-level deal.

The Nashville Predators signed veteran forward Sergei Kostitsyn to a two-year, $6 million contract.

Byfuglien makes a deal

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien avoided a trial on drunken boating charges by pleading guilty to careless boating.

Byfuglien was charged last August with boating under the influence and refusing to take a chemical test after an incident on suburban Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota. He was sentenced to a year's probation, two days of public service, a $1,000 fine and a day in an alcohol education program.

- Associated Press