My own opinion is that Rick Nash's NHL value is as high as ever, despite a subpar season. The Blue Jackets aren't moving him for anything less than Malkin. Columbus was picked as a dark horse team this year by the Hockey News, but the team started off horribly and Zherdev and Brule never put it together this year. That's not to say they won't next season. They're both young, as is Nash. Remember - Pittsburgh finished near dead last for 4 consecutive seasons to get where they are.
As to hobby love - Nash is just returning to earth. For some inexplicable (and extremely annoying) reason, hockey collectors trip over themselves getting the hot rookie, driving prices to unreasonable levels - then abandon the poor guy next season to chase the next hottest rookie. Those down arrows are coming, but it's not necessarily reflective of anything Nash has done. My favorite example of the year is Lecavalier. He's had a phenominal year, done everything you could ask of him - and his RC has lost value.
It's like Logan's Run, except we kill you in your second season.
Mike
