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New York Rangers: Don’t expect the same Ryan Callahan from years ago

By John Cavanagh

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 10: Ryan Callahan #24 of the New York Rangers skates against the Nashville Predators at Madison Square Garden on December 10, 2013 in New York City. The Nashville Predators won 4-1. (Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 10: Ryan Callahan #24 of the New York Rangers skates against the Nashville Predators at Madison Square Garden on December 10, 2013 in New York City. The Nashville Predators won 4-1. (Photo by Scott Levy/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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A once fan-favorite has been rumored to return to the New York Rangers in a trade. But, don’t kid yourselves. This isn’t the same player that was captain many years ago.

On March 5, 2014, the Rangers traded forward Ryan Callahan to the Tampa Bay Lightning in a deal that sent Martin St. Louis to Broadway during the 2013-2014 season. Callahan spent the first eight years of his career with the Rangers, but after being traded to the Lightning, he signed a six-year, $34.8 million dollar contract with them.

Callahan’s first full season with the Lightning was a success. In 77 games, he scored 24 goals and 30 assists for 54 points, matching a career high he set back in 2011-2012. However, that was as good as it got. The following season, he totaled only 28 total points, a huge drop-off.

Mounting injury concerns

He also had problems staying healthy like he has most of his career. This is because Callahan plays a hard-nosed game every night.

Just this past May, Callahan was sidelined indefinitely with shoulder surgery. This style has likely taken a toll on the 33 year-old. At $5.8 million per season, the Lightning are looking to get his contract off the books to make room for impending free agents.

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The Lightning are also rumored to be trading for all-star defenseman Erik Karlsson, and would need to trade Callahan to make room. A possible suitor would be the Rangers, who have the cap space to acquire Callahan, while also picking up picks and young assets for doing so. This possibility has excited Rangers fans, especially the ones who still have #24 jerseys hanging in their closets.

Callahan was a player who would lay it all on the line, and earned the respect of fans every time he took the ice. However, he was also productive. Now, he can’t be held to those same expectations. This isn’t the same guy who scored 29 goals in 2011-2012.

What to expect

So, what could the Rangers expect if they trade for Callahan? A deal for the New York native wouldn’t cap-strap them for years to come. His contract expires in 2020, or in two seasons.

Callahan would be a great player for the young rookies to look up to. His leadership and locker room presence would help new coach David Quinn create a positive culture he’s looking for in a young team.

The Rangers want to give big minutes to younger forwards with promise. Callahan would likely assume a bottom-six, checking role that can assist the penalty kill. I wouldn’t expect him to score over 15 goals, and that’s if he stays healthy.

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But, it’s his intangibles that make him valuable to a rebuilding team like the Rangers. When Alain Vigneault was fired, you saw a locker room and leadership group that needed mending. Callahan would help do just that.

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