Columbus general manager Scott Howson, who was in attendance for Sunday's Rangers-Blue Jackets game, is garnering plenty of attention of late.

But despite the uptick in speculation -- primarily surrounding one Rick Nash -- Howson said no trade deadline deal is imminent, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Upon returning home to Ohio, Howson told the Dispatch's Aaron Portzline that he is trying to remain patient with next Monday's trade deadline only a week away.

"We're waiting for the right deals," Howson said. "We're getting closer, but we're not there yet."

In addition to Nash, the Blue Jackets are also rumored to be shopping disgruntled center Jeff Carter and veteran forward Sami Pahlsson, among others.