I am completely ok with a re-signing of Dan Girardi. Unless a team out there overpays at the deadline, for his services, bringing him back wouldn't bother me so much.

He is durable, reliable and is asking for a fair market deal.

Callahan's demands are pretty ridiculous, flat out.
- MidnightMarauder

i really don't think cally's demands are "flat out ridiculous". we've all said we'd be okay with signing him for $5.5 mil a year, and he's just INITIALLY asking for $6 mil.

we've seen enough negotiations the past couple years between the stepan situation, a number of other RFA contracts, the lockout situation, etc. and this is just the way negotiations start.

If Gretzky can be dealt, in his prime, anyone can.

It might hurt chemistry, down the stretch this season, but it will bode well going forward.

The Rangers aren't a cup contender this season. Yes, they are a playoff team, but they aren't better than Boston, Pittsburgh or several top teams out west.

If the Rangers want to move forward tough decisions have to be made. Callahan getting dealt is an absolute necessity. He can't be re-signed for that amount and the Rangers can't lose him for nothing or a considerably less amount, than what they could have received, with a deadline deal to a desperate team.
- MidnightMarauder

Callahan may get dealt well before the March deadline. Isn't there an Olympic roster freeze coming soon? If so, it will only give Sather a good week or two before the NHL trade deadline to move Callahan.

How so?

Saying he isn't worth his asking price suggests I have it out for him? Re-signing players, that aren't worth it, are cap crippling and organization stifling.

The emergence of players like Kreider and Zuccarello make Callahan more expendable than a player like Girardi.

Between the two, keep Girardi, without question.
- MidnightMarauder

You've said 5 times in the last 15 minutes that his salary demands are absurd. Fine, that's your opinion and you are entitled to it.

I'm not going to bash Zuccs, I'm very happy for him and the great year he's having. But, if you think players like Zuccs and not Callahan are going to bring you closer to a cup, I got a bridge to sell you.

at the same time, we're assuming that cally won't budge off his $6 mil initial demands. he could most definitely accept a deal worth $5-5.5 mil if he really wants to stay in new york.

if we trade cally, we have to the potential to either really improve and change the dynamic of this team, or we could royally fck ourselves and get some crappy players that never amount to anything and we're screwed for another 5 years.
- rangerdanger94

The team is shifting towards a more uptempo, puck possession type of game.

The dump and chase, cycle in the corners, block shots with your face days are over here.

Callahan is kind of getting lost in the shuffle here and the team actually looks good despite Callahan's diminished offensive role.

If he is willing to decrease his demands, and is willing to work with the team to make his new contract more cap friendly, than ok.

But we all know good and well he will do no such thing. This is his first and best chance to really cash in on the insane free agent market.

Callahan may get dealt well before the March deadline. Isn't there an Olympic roster freeze coming soon? If so, it will only give Sather a good week or two before the NHL trade deadline to move Callahan.
- mames11

the majority of the trades happening before the olympic roster freeze will be made by teams trying to get rid of players that they think they will eventually move at the deadline and don't want to pay salary too over the olympic break.

for example, a $5 million a year player is going to get paid $400,000 over the olympic break even though they're not working. for a team like florida, or nashville, or phoenix, their owners might not want to pay this just to trade the player the following week before the real trade deadline and pressure their GM to make a move quickly. in the case of callahan, i don't think sather cares at all.

You've said 5 times in the last 15 minutes that his salary demands are absurd. Fine, that's your opinion and you are entitled to it.

I'm not going to bash Zuccs, I'm very happy for him and the great year he's having. But, if you think players like Zuccs and not Callahan are going to bring you closer to a cup, I got a bridge to sell you.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

You're taking this a little too personally.

Zuccarello is offensive light year more talented than the captain. Callahan hasn't brought the team any closer to a cup; so what's your point in comparing the two players?

i really don't think cally's demands are "flat out ridiculous". we've all said we'd be okay with signing him for $5.5 mil a year, and he's just INITIALLY asking for $6 mil.

we've seen enough negotiations the past couple years between the stepan situation, a number of other RFA contracts, the lockout situation, etc. and this is just the way negotiations start.
- rangerdanger94

I wonder whether it really makes a difference between $5.5 million and $6 million. Either way, the re-signing of Ryan Callahan means that the Rangers are going to be prohibited from spending money elsewhere. Thus, it really becomes a decision for the organization whether you see yourself being a better team paying Ryan Callahan, or trading him at the deadline, picking up some prospects, and using his money elsewhere.

There are decisions to make, and I think that Coach's opinion is important as well. Can you re-sign Callahan and also keep Richards? What if the coach wants to keep Richards if it is really a choice between the two? Does the GM give the coach what he wants? That can cause trouble to.

The team is shifting towards a more uptempo, puck possession type of game.

The dump and chase, cycle in the corners, block shots with your face days are over here.

Callahan is kind of getting lost in the shuffle here and the team actually looks good despite Callahan's diminished offensive role.

If he is willing to decrease his demands, and is willing to work with the team to make his new contract more cap friendly, than ok.

But we all know good and well he will do no such thing. This is his first and best chance to really cash in on the insane free agent market.
- MidnightMarauder

i don't agree 100%. cally still plays the 3rd most minutes out of any forward and the team still dumps and chases and cycles non stop in the offensive zone.

it's funny how we're talking about buying out richards and getting rid of cally, yet they're 2 of the top 3 forwards in ice time under AV. i don't think AV is trying to get rid of his most trusted and most played players as quickly as we're saying.

i really don't think cally's demands are "flat out ridiculous". we've all said we'd be okay with signing him for $5.5 mil a year, and he's just INITIALLY asking for $6 mil.

we've seen enough negotiations the past couple years between the stepan situation, a number of other RFA contracts, the lockout situation, etc. and this is just the way negotiations start.
- rangerdanger94

It isn't just the amount per, it's the length of the deal as well, that makes it flat out ridiculous.

That's not to suggest he won't get that sort of deal because he will. If he gets in from the Rangers it's a mistake, simple as that.

Wasn't my comment but I'll chime in...


Richards is having a nice bounce back year. Playing well at the point on the PP too.

He's definitely helped his cause, but he isnt worth what he signed for. As of now, still think he get bought out.
- NYRangers1124

Think it's very still up in the air if he is amnestied. Do you want to offer similar dollars on Stastny or O'Reilly? What if you do and land neither, now you have lost your #1a/1b center, and if dealt Callahan, a second line winger. The FA market is not great this year, as I laid out in the blog, so you are taking a risk you can land either center, each of which come with a similar risk versus the known of Richards.

Callahan may get dealt well before the March deadline. Isn't there an Olympic roster freeze coming soon? If so, it will only give Sather a good week or two before the NHL trade deadline to move Callahan.
- mames11

Trade freeze starts Feb 7 and ends I think on Feb 25 with deadline on March 5

You're taking this a little too personally.

Zuccarello is offensive light year more talented than the captain. Callahan hasn't brought the team any closer to a cup; so what's your point in comparing the two players?
- MidnightMarauder

Well, in all due fairness to Ryan Callahan, he did Captain the team that was two games away from the Stanley Cup Finals, so he did bring them closer to the Stanley Cup. That's is the closest they've been to the Stanley Cup, since the year they've won it.

You've said 5 times in the last 15 minutes that his salary demands are absurd. Fine, that's your opinion and you are entitled to it.

I'm not going to bash Zuccs, I'm very happy for him and the great year he's having. But, if you think players like Zuccs and not Callahan are going to bring you closer to a cup, I got a bridge to sell you.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

so which players on the roster or you view as realistically available and acquirable would bring them closer to a Cup?

You're taking this a little too personally.

Zuccarello is offensive light year more talented than the captain. Callahan hasn't brought the team any closer to a cup; so what's your point in comparing the two players?
- MidnightMarauder

As are you!

You're talking about a player that is two years removed from a 29 goal season, and had 16 last season, so it's fair to say 25-30 would not have been out of the question. Sure injuries have slowed him a bit this season, but he has way more talent than you are giving credit for. While I'm very happy to see the Rangers play a more exciting up tempo game, it won't win a Stanley cup, unless your the 83' Oilers. Come playoff time, the dump and chase guys win cups, that's the real NHL.

i don't agree 100%. cally still plays the 3rd most minutes out of any forward and the team still dumps and chases and cycles non stop in the offensive zone.

it's funny how we're talking about buying out richards and getting rid of cally, yet they're 2 of the top 3 forwards in ice time under AV. i don't think AV is trying to get rid of his most trusted and most played players as quickly as we're saying.
- rangerdanger94

Richards ice time is skewed because he is out there for the full two minutes, for each power play.

Callahan doesn't get the power play time he used to and there are other players stepping up in that department, mainly Zuccarello and Kreider.

A Callahan trade might not help the team, this season, but that trade isn't about this season alone. It's not an easy decision but dealing him is ultimately the right one.

Sentiment has to be left out of the equation in dealing with player's contracts. I always liked Callahan and he busts his @ss, whenever he is out there, but I am sorry it just makes no sense to negotiate with those demands.

i don't agree 100%. cally still plays the 3rd most minutes out of any forward and the team still dumps and chases and cycles non stop in the offensive zone.

it's funny how we're talking about buying out richards and getting rid of cally, yet they're 2 of the top 3 forwards in ice time under AV. i don't think AV is trying to get rid of his most trusted and most played players as quickly as we're saying.
- rangerdanger94

Here is what I think it comes down to. If you are going to pay a heart and soul second line right winger who puts up 45-50 points $6 million a year, you are saying that you intend to win a certain type of way. I am actually fine with trying to win that way, so long as the fanbase understands that the player isn't all of a sudden going to become an offensive dynamo because he is getting paid alot, and his re-signing might prevent you from becoming some high scoring offensive juggernaut.

The more money you put into one player, the less money you have available to spend on others, so you are making choices on what types of players you want, and what type of team you want to be.

Here is what I think it comes down to. If you are going to pay a heart and soul second line right winger who puts up 45-50 points $6 million a year, you are saying that you intend to win a certain type of way. I am actually fine with trying to win that way, so long as the fanbase understands that the player isn't all of a sudden going to become an offensive dynamo because he is getting paid alot, and his re-signing my prevent you from becoming some high scoring offensive juggernaut.

The more money you put into one player, the less money you have available to spend on others, so you are making choices on what types of players you want, and what type of team you want to be.
- Pete V

and on the flip side, to get that dynamo player through free agency even nowadays is close to impossible. you're best bet in a 1st rounder or trading for a young prospect. if cally can get you 1 or both, is it worth the risk?

As are you!

You're talking about a player that is two years removed from a 29 goal season, and had 16 last season, so it's fair to say 25-30 would not have been out of the question. Sure injuries have slowed him a bit this season, but he has way more talent than you are giving credit for. While I'm very happy to see the Rangers play a more exciting up tempo game, it won't win a Stanley cup, unless your the 83' Oilers. Come playoff time, the dump and chase guys win cups, that's the real NHL.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

How am I taking it personally? I am simply talking about the team's best interest. You got on my case for wanting the Rangers to trade Callahan. I never called anyone out on here for disagreeing with how I felt on this issue.

This style of play, when the right personnel is on board, will get the Rangers closer to a cup than the old style ever will.

Lundqvist carried the 2012 team to the conference finals, nothing more and nothing less. The team couldn't score and that ultimately doomed them.

Here is what I think it comes down to. If you are going to pay a heart and soul second line right winger who puts up 45-50 points $6 million a year, you are saying that you intend to win a certain type of way. I am actually fine with trying to win that way, so long as the fanbase understands that the player isn't all of a sudden going to become an offensive dynamo because he is getting paid alot, and his re-signing might prevent you from becoming some high scoring offensive juggernaut.

The more money you put into one player, the less money you have available to spend on others, so you are making choices on what types of players you want, and what type of team you want to be.
- Pete V

The Rangers need more offense and it will be almost impossible to address those needs when you tie up a good chunk of money into a player that can't provide that.

and on the flip side, to get that dynamo player through free agency even nowadays is close to impossible. you're best bet in a 1st rounder or trading for a young prospect. if cally can get you 1 or both, is it worth the risk?
- rangerdanger94

I agree with Oldschool that you need players like Callahan to win in the playoffs. I also agree with Oldschool that Callahan has more offensive ability than he is given credit for.

But, I also have concerns. These guys. These heart and soul types, when they get into their 30s, they start to lose the ability to do the things that made them highly successful in the league, because their bodies can't take the same beating anymore. Chris Drury was a warrior, and he went through it, and he was hated as a Ranger. So, my concern for Callahan would be that his body break down, he isn't getting the offensive opportunities that he used to because AV sees better options, he's putting up 30-35 points a year two/three years into his deal, and then the deal starts to look bad.

I don't know, this is a real tough one. I almost wish his last deal ran a couple of more years, and we didn't have to deal with until his early 30s, but that ain't happening. The GM is going to have to make a call here, and he may look stupid no matter what he does.

How am I taking it personally? I am simply talking about the team's best interest. You got on my case for wanting the Rangers to trade Callahan. I never called anyone out on here for disagreeing with how I felt on this issue.

This style of play, when the right personnel is on board, will get the Rangers closer to a cup than the old style ever will.

Lundqvist carried the 2012 team to the conference finals, nothing more and nothing less. The team couldn't score and that ultimately doomed them.
- MidnightMarauder

Ok, I feel the most important reason Callahan may be dealt is AV's coaching style may not suit him best, and I guess AV is not going anywhere. I don't agree with his decision to take Callahan off the PP totally. he still has the best hands in front, and pays the price to go to the dirty areas, and I disagree with you, Stanley cup teams, dump, chase, create turnovers, and get unexpected top notch goaltending.

Richards will be bought because he not worth that contract. Richards still has some game and in the right situation he could be very solid.

Totally agree, Callahan is not a 6 million guy. Cally cannot stay heathy at 29 and he wants 7 years. With the style he plays, the health issues will continue. If they cannot resign him make the trade only if you get quality back . Could Cally really excel in AV system? He is the captain and I would hate to see him go but Slats needs to be fiscally responsible.

I totally agree with Bob Mckenzie assessment that the Rangers are not true cup contender. If Hank gets super hot during the playoffs they could make a run. We are about 50 games in and this team is way too inconsistent. They need to get the parts that will excel in AV system.

I think we need to keep Giradi. if we could get him done for 5 years 25-27 million, sing me up
- esg777

Ever since we beat the Hawks we have played very well. I just don't get how people can say we aren't at least a middle of the pack playoff team. Where if things break right we can win.

I want to focus on an offer Pete proposed that's eating me up. Saad for Cally. I think I can accept that and even be excited by it. Saad is versatile, almost made the Olympic team. And is young. Would you do that trade right now?

Ever since we beat the Hawks we have played very well. I just don't get how people can say we aren't at least a middle of the pack playoff team. Where if things break right we can win.

I want to focus on an offer Pete proposed that's eating me up. Saad for Cally. I think I can accept that and even be excited by it. Saad is versatile, almost made the Olympic team. And is young. Would you do that trade right now?
- mrhattrick27

Glen actually proposed that.

You would have to do that deal, although I don't think the Hawks would.

Ok, I feel the most important reason Callahan may be dealt is AV's coaching style may not suit him best, and I guess AV is not going anywhere. I don't agree with his decision to take Callahan off the PP totally. he still has the best hands in front, and pays the price to go to the dirty areas, and I disagree with you, Stanley cup teams, dump, chase, create turnovers, and get unexpected top notch goaltending.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

Callahan is probably their second best player, in screening opposing goalies and deflecting shots from the point.

Kreider is a little bit better and more skilled, than Callahan, thus he gets a big chunk of that power play time.

Listen, you took it the wrong way, I do think Callahan is a valuable player, just not at his current asking price. If he can lower his demands a bit I think Sather will attempt to get a deal done. A million dollars per season less and take two years off of the current want and I am perfectly ok with seeing him stay.

Dump and chase hockey is a playoff staple but, for teams that make big runs, scoring is also paramount. The Rangers defense hasn't taken a hit with their new style of play.

Despite the early season road trip, where they were allowing an obscene amount of goals, they still rank in the top ten in goals against, league-wide.

Glen actually proposed that.

You would have to do that deal, although I don't think the Hawks would.
- Pete V

I agree, but this is what I mean. If I'm dealing a player that the thought of him in another jersey makes my heart sink into my stomach, I need a return that genuinely gets me excited. Saad would get me excited.