How much would you give Callahan on his next contract?

[RangerBoy]

I just find it really troublesome that the team and Callahan's management aren't even talking right now.

4-5 years, $5 - 5.5M per? Sounds fine to me. The Rangers need to decide how much they're willing to spend and present it ASAP.

I have mixed emotions about Callahan's future, but I know one thing. They simply cannot let this go into the summer with no agreement/trade with the possibility he walks for ridiculous money elsewhere (or, conversely, the Rangers are on the hook for ridiculous money for him).

It sounds fine to you? How do Callahan and his agent Steve Bartlett feel about those numbers?

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

It sounds fine to you? How do Callahan and his agent Steve Bartlett feel about those numbers?

Not well.

My point is, the Rangers need to set a ceiling.

Getting drawn into a bidding war in July is not an option.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

Fine. All valid points. But this is the first time in about 5 years (a period where, by and large, he was this team's best, most consistent skater on a nightly basis) where he hasn't done those things. 24 games. That's enough to give up on the guy?

I find this thread to be highly disconcerting. I expect this kind of alarmist opinion-swerve from a lot of the fanbase, but even posters who I find to generally be highly informed and reasonable are piling on here, and that disturbs me.

Should Callahan be making superstar money? Certainly not, but he has earned a 4-5 year deal in the $5-5.5 million range, and I think he can still be the player he has been, or a reasonable facsimile of it, for 3-4 years of it. I think trading or not re-signing Callahan would be a terrible mistake, and it is a shame if that puts me in the extreme minority.

Yes, you have to make tough decisions in salary cap leagues, but that doesn't mean you give up on a guy because he has struggled for a few months after years of consistently high quality performance.

Not many players these days spend their entire careers with one team, but that doesn't mean it isn't possible for that to happen. That should be the goal with players like Callahan and Lundqvist.

Hes going to get more in the UFA market. Far more.

People aren't advocating a trade because they think hes a poor player.

Its about this team starts getting more pragmatic about these things. Make your best offer before the deadline - if its rebuffed, trade him.

 

[SingnBluesOnBroadway]

Not well.

My point is, the Rangers need to set a ceiling.

Getting drawn into a bidding war in July is not an option.

Maybe not evern that late. A decision should be made prior to the deadline.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

Maybe not evern that late. A decision should be made prior to the deadline.

Yes, some sort of action needs to happen before the deadline.

If this goes beyond the deadline, you'll have a situation where either:

1. Callahan walks for nothing
2. The Rangers are on the hook for the equivalent of a large UFA contract

Neither option is acceptable.

 

[NYR Sting]

You say you, "find this thread to be highly disconcerting," but you're base offering him only 4 years and a $125,000 raise over what he made this season?

Most of the people who responded to this poll wouldn't even do that; that is what I find disconcerting.

Callahan has embodied what the Rangers were for the last several years. However, the team seems to be at a bit of a crossroads here. They have a coach who wants to play a high-tempo game, and the main core of players from the "old era" are coming up for new contracts, and in many cases are well into the prime of their career.

Point being, the prospect of dealing Callahan, at least in my opinion, has very little to do with how he's playing, but more to the fact that a team that wants to move in a direction of "more skill" can't afford to invest $5.5M in a player who not only spends a lot of time on the IR, but ultimately doesn't fit the mold of where the team wants to go. We saw this happen only 2 years ago with the Nash deal. They went out and dealt two guys who really fit the system, to hedge their bets on a player who really didn't fit it at all.

If you want to be an offensive team, you need to target offensive players. Are guys like Callahan a necessary piece in their own right? Absolutely, but you have to treat them as secondary to the primary need of offensive talent. If you can sell high on Callahan to a team who will give you one of those offensive pieces for him, then you do it, IMO.

I love Cally and how he's given his all for this team, but at the same time, I think the team needs a new direction. We've seen this team have serious issues motivating themselves, and he's as responsible for it as anyone else.

I don't buy it. I don't think a player like Callahan can be wrong for any style of play. That's what is great about Callahan, the 24 games this season aside: he does all of the things that any team needs to be able to win, regardless of style. I also don't buy the style thing altogether. A winning style should be a little bit of everything. Just because you have skill and talent doesn't mean that you can't also be good defensively or play physically, etc. What's wrong with trying to do all of those things?

How is Callahan's caphit, mind you, going to factor into this team not being able to play AV's style of play? What offensive talent are they going to sign on the free agent market? More overpaid and washed up losers? Callahan's contract won't impact drafting and developing, which is the only way you can build a team full of skilled, young players, on CHEAP, entry level contracts. This team doesn't have that kind of talent in the organization, which is why Chances are AV is out the door before this Callahan contract expires, anyway. In 3-4 years, there will be a new coach with a new mandate of style, and the re-shuffling of players and philosophies will begin a new.

I can understand cutting ties with Girardi, who IMO is a more limited player than Callahan. I can understand cutting ties with Staal, who I like quite a bit, because he has greater injury concerns. That's another thing, BTW. Since 2008, Callahan has played 81, 77, 60, 76, and 45 (out of 48 games). For a guy who is constantly getting injured, he doesn't seem to actually miss that much time.

I love Ryan Callahan, I have no idea if he's a good captain or a bad captain. I love the way he plays but what is Ryan Callahan going to look like in 5 years? Let another team deal with Callahan's body breaking down. The Clarkson contract soured me on Callahan because if that's the market for our Captain the Rangers need to trade him to get something back.

Can't you ask the same exact question about whatever free agent contract the Rangers dole out with the money saved from not keeping Callahan?

A team will overpay for Callahan. He could legitimately be a key missing piece for a contender at the deadline. I think teams that consider themselves contenders will be tripping over themselves to add Callahan. The right move is to trade him and get the best deal you can. Who cares that he's the Captain, who cares what he's done as a Ranger. Sports is a heartless business and sometimes fans need to be heartless too.

Show me how the money could be utilized in a better way. Show me the free agent that will be signed with this money instead. It would be one thing if this team had some great, young offensive talent coming off of entry deals that needed to be paid, but they don't.

Business is business. Too many people allow their personal feelings about a player get in the way.

When you've spent your life rooting for this team, it is hard to not feel more affection for players than the team itself. This is one of the most pathetic franchises in all of sports, and it is a franchise that continually shows its extremely loyal fanbase that they simply don't give a **** about winning. Rooting for this team is a practice in masochism, and I'll be perfectly honest: my loyalty to this team is going to really be tested if they trade or don't re-sign Callahan.

I really had difficulty dealing with the Graves and Leetch trades, but at least those were instances where the players were more or less finished and just hanging on for a couple of years. This guy isn't even 30 yet, and he's already, IMO, one of the best players in this franchise's history. He's certainly one of the most important players in the last 30 years, and as far as I'm concerned, the second most important player to wear this jersey since the Cup.

As far as I can tell, during his time with the team, Callahan has given me far more reason to be a fan than the franchise as a whole has.

This team and its management has proven countless times that they have absolutely no idea how to do business. I'd rather pay, even overpay, a player that has earned it with THIS team, than let this front office, this bumbling squad of know-nothings go out and make another round of free agency mistakes.

 

[Nightshift]

The guy is a nice player, but the love affair with Cally is borderline scary. Prior to this season, he averaged 20:48/game the past 3 seasons. Were going to be shoveling his remains off the ice if hes resigned and used in the same fashion.

 

[Off Sides]

This team and its management has proven countless times that they have absolutely no idea how to do business. I'd rather pay, even overpay, a player that has earned it with THIS team, than let this front office, this bumbling squad of know-nothings go out and make another round of free agency mistakes.

This much I agree with but if some team were willing to trade a 1st, good prospect and a 2nd or something equivalent for Callahan and the Rangers have already offered him 5.5-5.9M per on a long term deal similar to Dustin Brown and he is not signing it, the Rangers need to make the trade.

Different numbers and terms but same should be said for every slated to be UFA/RFA on the team. Same they should have done with Lundqvist in my opinion.

While I have no faith in management and I do not think Callahan is part of the problem or can only play one type of hockey, what's best for this whole organization, as much as a pipe dream as it is, would be for them to sell and sell everyone this deadline if those players will not sign "money left on the table" contracts before hand.

 

[Trxjw]

I don't buy it. I don't think a player like Callahan can be wrong for any style of play. That's what is great about Callahan, the 24 games this season aside: he does all of the things that any team needs to be able to win, regardless of style. I also don't buy the style thing altogether. A winning style should be a little bit of everything. Just because you have skill and talent doesn't mean that you can't also be good defensively or play physically, etc. What's wrong with trying to do all of those things?

How is Callahan's caphit, mind you, going to factor into this team not being able to play AV's style of play? What offensive talent are they going to sign on the free agent market? More overpaid and washed up losers? Callahan's contract won't impact drafting and developing, which is the only way you can build a team full of skilled, young players, on CHEAP, entry level contracts. This team doesn't have that kind of talent in the organization, which is why Chances are AV is out the door before this Callahan contract expires, anyway. In 3-4 years, there will be a new coach with a new mandate of style, and the re-shuffling of players and philosophies will begin a new.

I can understand cutting ties with Girardi, who IMO is a more limited player than Callahan. I can understand cutting ties with Staal, who I like quite a bit, because he has greater injury concerns. That's another thing, BTW. Since 2008, Callahan has played 81, 77, 60, 76, and 45 (out of 48 games). For a guy who is constantly getting injured, he doesn't seem to actually miss that much time.

I already noted that you need guys like him on your team, so I'm not sure why you're harping on it like I said that I want a team of scorers and nothing else. The caveat is that we have that player who likely has peaked in his development, is coming up for a new contract at the end of the year, and is likely widely sought-after by many teams who are much closer to a cup than we are. The team wants to be more offensively oriented, and if you can acquire an offensive player who is younger and cost controlled in exchange for Callahan, then it behooves you to do it.

Talking about his cap hit doesn't mean I'm already thinking about spending the money on free agents. You know well enough I'm a big proponent of developing from within. I am, however, not naive enough to think you can simply build a cup contender without any external parts. Callahan could net you those players that you think can only be had by drafting and developing, or, at the very least, get you a pick that you could use on a player to develop internally. You're right that this team lacks that talent, which is why I'm advocating a move to GET that kind of talent. I'm not saying we should ship him off Daniel Briere and then use the cap space to sign some garbage FA's. I'm saying we trade him for a younger piece, or multiple pieces, who can be part of a new core of players.

"Spends a lot of time on the IR" was a poor choice of words on my part, but there's no denying that he has not only missed plenty of time to injury (including 10 games this year already), but has played through several injuries as well. He might not have missed last years playoff games, but he was certainly playing with a bum shoulder late in the year. Lost games aren't the only indication of being an oft-injured player. More power to him for playing through serious injuries, but let's not act as if it doesn't hinder his effectiveness.

 

[NYR Sting]

I already noted that you need guys like him on your team, so I'm not sure why you're harping on it like I said that I want a team of scorers and nothing else. The caveat is that we have that player who likely has peaked in his development, is coming up for a new contract at the end of the year, and is likely widely sought-after by many teams who are much closer to a cup than we are. The team wants to be more offensively oriented, and if you can acquire an offensive player who is younger and cost controlled in exchange for Callahan, then it behooves you to do it.

I'm not harping on it, I just don't think you give away pieces you need to get other pieces you need; that isn't going to build a winner, but that is how the Rangers run their team. He may have peaked, but I think his peak is still pretty darn useful.

I want to see the player the Rangers get back for Callahan. I'm trying to remember one significant and young offensive player that the Rangers, under Sather, have traded for. I can't recall one.

Talking about his cap hit doesn't mean I'm already thinking about spending the money on free agents. You know well enough I'm a big proponent of developing from within. I am, however, not naive enough to think you can simply build a cup contender without any external parts. Callahan could net you those players that you think can only be had by drafting and developing, or, at the very least, get you a pick that you could use on a player to develop internally. You're right that this team lacks that talent, which is why I'm advocating a move to GET that kind of talent. I'm not saying we should ship him off Daniel Briere and then use the cap space to sign some garbage FA's. I'm saying we trade him for a younger piece, or multiple pieces, who can be part of a new core of players.

Oh, I know exactly what you're advocating. It's a terrific plan. I just have no faith in this team to execute it properly. This team never gets that kind of talent. I have no doubt that Callahan would net a nice return in a trade. Just not so sure it is going to be the kind of direction-changing return that would make such a move worthwhile. Either way, that also means you have to replace Callahan. I don't think that is very easily done. I don't think there are many players in the league that do what Callahan does as well or as consistently.

"Spends a lot of time on the IR" was a poor choice of words on my part, but there's no denying that he has not only missed plenty of time to injury (including 10 games this year already), but has played through several injuries as well. He might not have missed last years playoff games, but he was certainly playing with a bum shoulder late in the year. Lost games aren't the only indication of being an oft-injured player. More power to him for playing through serious injuries, but let's not act as if it doesn't hinder his effectiveness.

Yes, he gets banged up a lot. No denying it. I just need a bigger sample size than a couple of months if I am to agree that he is done being the player he was.

 

[and 99 others]

where are those numbers coming from?

 

[Son of Steinbrenner]

Can't you ask the same exact question about whatever free agent contract the Rangers dole out with the money saved from not keeping Callahan?

Sure you can. It's reasonable question but it's possible the Rangers make a trade. It's possible the return for Callahan brings back a player. I don't think the Rangers have to have a full on rebuild and get picks or prospects for Callahan. They can do an old fashioned good player for good player trade. I love Callahan, I appreciate Callahan but I think he's going to be overpaid, I think even you could admit that their is risk in signing Callahan to a big contract. I see the argument of "They signed (name any free agent) and they aren't gong to pay Callahan?" That doesn't mean resigning Cally is the right move going forward.

I think it's possible he leaves and the Rangers have nothing in return. I hate throwing trade proposals out so I'll do us both a favor and refrain from doing that.

Show me how the money could be utilized in a better way. Show me the free agent that will be signed with this money instead. It would be one thing if this team had some great, young offensive talent coming off of entry deals that needed to be paid, but they don't.

No I won't show you that because I don't think the Rangers have to sign a free agent with the money. As I said above, it's possible the money is better utilized in a trade. Maybe the Rangers spread the money around. I don't know what I would do with the money but the "we need to keep player x because nothing better is in the system" argument doesn't really fly with me, especially with someone like Callahan who will be hard to replace. I totally concede that point to you. The thing is you can be just as wrong as I am. This isn't a black and white issue.

I'll be perfectly honest: my loyalty to this team is going to really be tested if they trade or don't re-sign Callahan.

We have all had those moments as fans. This is a tough team to be a fan of. But, at least you aren't a Jet fan like me. My loyalty to that team is tested every quarter they play!

 

[Fataldogg]

Depends. If moving forward w/ AV, not much. We don't need any more grinders than we already have. We won't succeed with them in place if AV refuses to adapt.

Honestly, if Callahan wants a raise, than let him walk. He has never been a playoff performer, he is injury prone, and is already getting paid a healthy salary. Anything over $4.5 million is too much, especially when you see what a superior Brown is making.

I'd rather move him at the deadline for a #1 draft pick and a prospect than let him walk for nothing.

 

[Ola]

If the Rangers did not want to overpay Prust for his "heart and soul" contributions (he fought Lucic, ffs) that were in decline due to wear and tear, there's no way imo "h&s" should have any bearing on Callahan's future with the team. Also, being a homegrown captain should mean zilch.

Everybody agrees the Clowekson contracts are brutal and if Callahan is heading into the summer looking for those kind of numbers or better, it sets up another "what have we done" situation that this organIzation really needs to avoid. Imho

OTOH, nobody can aruge in hindsight that we shoule "not" have resigned Prust. We are playing a number of players way more than Prust is making just to fill the role he did.

Horrible decision -- in hindsight -- not to resign Prust.

 

[Ola]

I just find it really troublesome that the team and Callahan's management aren't even talking right now.

4-5 years, $5 - 5.5M per? Sounds fine to me. The Rangers need to decide how much they're willing to spend and present it ASAP.

I have mixed emotions about Callahan's future, but I know one thing. They simply cannot let this go into the summer with no agreement/trade with the possibility he walks for ridiculous money elsewhere (or, conversely, the Rangers are on the hook for ridiculous money for him).

Cally is getting 7x7 on the open market, I would bet.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

Cally is getting 7x7 on the open market, I would bet.

If thats what he expects, and what he's demanding from the Rangers, they might as well start entertaining trade offers right now.

I think it'll be a little less, in both years and term.

I could see a team doing 6/40M$, or something like that.

 

[Callagraves]

Most of the people who responded to this poll wouldn't even do that; that is what I find disconcerting.
-snip-


Show me how the money could be utilized in a better way. Show me the free agent that will be signed with this money instead. It would be one thing if this team had some great, young offensive talent coming off of entry deals that needed to be paid, but they don't.



When you've spent your life rooting for this team, it is hard to not feel more affection for players than the team itself. This is one of the most pathetic franchises in all of sports, and it is a franchise that continually shows its extremely loyal fanbase that they simply don't give a **** about winning. Rooting for this team is a practice in masochism, and I'll be perfectly honest: my loyalty to this team is going to really be tested if they trade or don't re-sign Callahan.

I really had difficulty dealing with the Graves and Leetch trades, but at least those were instances where the players were more or less finished and just hanging on for a couple of years. This guy isn't even 30 yet, and he's already, IMO, one of the best players in this franchise's history. He's certainly one of the most important players in the last 30 years, and as far as I'm concerned, the second most important player to wear this jersey since the Cup.

As far as I can tell, during his time with the team, Callahan has given me far more reason to be a fan than the franchise as a whole has.

This team and its management has proven countless times that they have absolutely no idea how to do business. I'd rather pay, even overpay, a player that has earned it with THIS team, than let this front office, this bumbling squad of know-nothings go out and make another round of free agency mistakes.

Just quoting to say it's incredible to see someone else say the bold before I had to.

I have trouble rooting against guys like Dubi and Prust. It's an ironclad fact that I will instantly become a fan of any team Cally is playing for. I hope he's a Ranger for life, but if not, I hope he ends up somewhere like Chicago, Detroit or even St. Louis. My god would he be a perfect fit on the Blues.

But he should stay in New York until his career is over.

 

[Ola]

If thats what he expects, and what he's demanding from the Rangers, they might as well start entertaining trade offers right now.

I think it'll be a little less, in both years and term.

I could see a team doing 6/40M$, or something like that.

Wouldn't he stay in NY for 48m and 8 years as opposed to moving on to whatever place for 49 and 7?

Anyway, all teams will have a RECORD amount of capspace available this summer, and you have to go back to the days where players were 34 y/o to get to UFA to find a less attractive UFA market.

This will of course spill over to the summer of 15' too. Cap space is practically useless the coming two summers. What you can do is take a bigger cap hit now and add years and use the cap space you have now to get benefits later on.

I love these boards and think there are a ton of intersting stuff posted daily. But I have to say that by my humble opinion this thread might be the thread at this place that I "disagree" the most in a really long time.

People that talk about Cally being worth 4-5m are pretty delusional. Just look at what Clowe coming of 3 concussions within a couple of months and like 3 goals on the year and Clarkson got -- under a 63m cap. What will Cally get with a 71m cap? When everyone knows the cap will close in on 80m the summer after that? There are so many teams out there that has the space to give him 7m per. All it takes is ONE of them doing it.

The you see the majority of comments go like 3-4 years 4-5m is his worth.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

Wouldn't he stay in NY for 48m and 8 years as opposed to moving on to whatever place for 49 and 7?

Anyway, all teams will have a RECORD amount of capspace available this summer, and you have to go back to the days where players were 34 y/o to get to UFA to find a less attractive UFA market.

This will of course spill over to the summer of 15' too. Cap space is practically useless the coming two summers. What you can do is take a bigger cap hit now and add years and use the cap space you have now to get benefits later on.

I love these boards and think there are a ton of intersting stuff posted daily. But I have to say that by my humble opinion this thread might be the thread at this place that I "disagree" the most in a really long time.

People that talk about Cally being worth 4-5m are pretty delusional. Just look at what Clowe coming of 3 concussions within a couple of months and like 3 goals on the year and Clarkson got -- under a 63m cap. What will Cally get with a 71m cap? When everyone knows the cap will close in on 80m the summer after that? There are so many teams out there that has the space to give him 7m per. All it takes is ONE of them doing it.

The you see the majority of comments go like 3-4 years 4-5m is his worth.

Personally, I wouldnt give Callahan 7 or 8 years in any circumstance whatsoever. I don't care how much of a fan favorite he is. That length of term for that type of player is a ticking time bomb.

The Rangers need to set a ceiling term and $'s they're willing to go, and begin the negotiations NOW. They cant be caught with their pants down at the deadline.

6 years, $36M-ish max - and I dont even like that to be honest, but he deserves respect for what hes given this team.

Agree that the 5/20-25 stuff is a pipedream - just look at the market.

 

[Bullseyes]

People that talk about Cally being worth 4-5m are pretty delusional. Just look at what Clowe coming of 3 concussions within a couple of months and like 3 goals on the year and Clarkson got -- under a 63m cap.

And a lot of people would say that the Clarkson and Clowe contracts aren't good contracts. I don't see why that's a reason to give Callahan an equally stupid contract.

What will Cally get with a 71m cap? When everyone knows the cap will close in on 80m the summer after that? There are so many teams out there that has the space to give him 7m per. All it takes is ONE of them doing it.

That doesn't mean the Rangers should do it. Let another team overpay for him.

Callahan being the captain or a fan favorite should not factor in re-signing him. I want a competitive team, not to keep my favorite players around.

 

[broadwayblue]

Are some of you suggesting we should give Cally 7M/year? Yikes. I like him as a player, but that's just nuts. If that's what it will take we should trade him ASAP.

 

[ncmike]

Wouldn't he stay in NY for 48m and 8 years as opposed to moving on to whatever place for 49 and 7?

Anyway, all teams will have a RECORD amount of capspace available this summer, and you have to go back to the days where players were 34 y/o to get to UFA to find a less attractive UFA market.

This will of course spill over to the summer of 15' too. Cap space is practically useless the coming two summers. What you can do is take a bigger cap hit now and add years and use the cap space you have now to get benefits later on.

I love these boards and think there are a ton of intersting stuff posted daily. But I have to say that by my humble opinion this thread might be the thread at this place that I "disagree" the most in a really long time.

People that talk about Cally being worth 4-5m are pretty delusional. Just look at what Clowe coming of 3 concussions within a couple of months and like 3 goals on the year and Clarkson got -- under a 63m cap. What will Cally get with a 71m cap? When everyone knows the cap will close in on 80m the summer after that? There are so many teams out there that has the space to give him 7m per. All it takes is ONE of them doing it.

The you see the majority of comments go like 3-4 years 4-5m is his worth.

Just because the numbers of others are up and the cap is up doesn't mean the player deserves it. Like everyone else, I love his style of play, but remember Drury. He broke down real quick.

 

[RangerBoy]

Alex Steen got 3 years and $17.4M. $5.8M. He could have gotten a lot more.

It was clearly a priority for Alex Steen to remain with #stlblues. More term and money would have been available in free agency.

https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/413433778661785600

Steen took a hometown discount.

These deals aren't available to the Rangers. All of the guys look at the Rangers as their Mega Millions ticket.

Callahan has averaged .56 points per game. Steen is at .59.

 

[mike14]

Steen just signed a 3 yr 5.8m AAV contract. He's slightly older than Cally and is having a career year (3rd time he's hit 20 g).

If Cally can come back healthy you'd have to think he could get at least a similar deal in not more on the open market.

 

[Giglio NYR15]

stupid poll options, not very diverse. 5 yrs 5 million works for me.