The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded their captain Rick Nash to the New York Rangers for three players this afternoon.

Nash, 28, and a 2013 third round pick are going to the Blueshirts for Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Tim Erixon, and a first rounder.

Nash had requested a trade from the Jackets back in February, but Columbus had failed to adhere to Nash's wishes. Nash owns almost every major offensive category in Columbus Blue Jackets history and has spent all of his 10 NHL seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Rick Nash becomes a good fit with the Rangers since Marian Gaborik will be out almost six months after a shoulder surgery in June. He will also help out with his offense after it sputtered in the Stanley Cup playoffs only averaging 2.15 goals per game.

The Rangers stepped up in their efforts to land Nash after Zach Parise, Shea Weber, and Ryan Suter, the top free agents, all signed with different teams.

New York was one of the few teams on Nash's approved list and was willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to Broadway.