New York Rangers head coach John Tortorella spoke candidly about the Rangers potential, acquiring Rick Nash, and other key players of the Rangers roster.

New York Rangers head coach John Tortorella was just live on the air with Michael Kay on ESPN New York 98.7, and he had quite a bit to say about the blockbuster Rick Nash trade, players such as Chris Kreider, Michael Del Zotto, Brandon Dubinsky, and Brandon Prust:

On the quality of Rick Nash as a player: “Rick Nash is a really star forward, a great player coming our way.”

On expectations for the 2012-2013 season: “There’s always expectations. I think that’s what we have to handle this year, our expectations. There’s no predicting, we just go about our business. All teams try to improve their teams in the off season, and that’s what we’re doing here.

I think we have a really good player and that’s what we’re going to do, go about our business.”

On how close the Rangers were to acquiring Nash at the Feb. 2012 Trade Deadline: “I believe we were close, but especially when we’re dealing with a player of this magnitude, they [Columbus Blue Jackets] had a high asking price. We didn’t want to lose players that were part of our core.”

On losing Brandon Dubinsky: ”Everyone asked for Dubi. Brandon should feel good about that, he’s so well respected in the league. A few years ago he was a pain in the ass, but he really matured now. He leveled himself off, had a tough year last year, and that unfortunately cracked the door that he may be traded. I’ll miss the guy, I spoke to him this morning. I think he’s really going to have a great year this year.”

On the Blue Jackets potentially acquiring Chris Kreider: “They knew they weren’t getting Kreider, I know they kept asking for him. That was not a long discussion. Everyone tries to shoot for what they want, and it takes time.”

More on Nash: “I’ve never met Rick, I had a conversation with him today. He goes about his business and will fit well into our system. He works every day and we’re really looking forward to having him. He’s a legitimate power forward.”

On the possibility of trading Del Zotto: “I thought Del Zotto had a tremendous bounce-back year. He defended very well last year, and added offense to his game. He had a really great season except for the post season where he struggled some. But by no means do we want to lose or move Del Zotto. We’re trying to add to our back end, and Michael certainly stepped up last year.”

Kay asks Tortorella if he ever got over losing to the Devils in the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals: “I still don’t get over  it. Richards had a great chance and Brodeur made an amazing save. If we won Game 6, I’m not so sure we lose Game 7. I haven’t gotten over it and I don’t think you should. Not for a second.”

Kay asks Tortorella if he watched any of the Stanley Cup Final, or if it was ‘too painful’: “Too painful? No I’m not sure what it is. I just don’t. I wasn’t too interested. We just go about our business and immediately start to prepare for our next season. We’re not involved there. I didn’t watch any of it.”

On losing Brandon Prust: “He became a really big part of our locker room. Everybody in the room liked him, I liked him. But this is what happens and it’s impossible to keep them. When a player finds his way and is successful, every team wants you. I think he was trying to be fair, and going for a hometown discount, but when you get huge offers with promises and bonuses I understand, although I am leery the promises Montreal made to Prust. It’s hard to see him go.”

Kay asks if Tortorella would be willing to do a weekly show once the regular season starts. “Fans love you!”: “Not a chance. No. We’ll talk along the way, but I won’t talk to you guys until October sometime. Before the first game.”

Kay is shocked. “Nope. Not a chance.”