Perhaps the Ranger with the best perspective on what Callahan is going through right now - other than defenseman Steve Eminger, who separated his shoulder at Phoenix last season - is Marian Gaborik, who underwent offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.
That surgery was on June 6. Had the season started on time, Gaborik likely wouldn’t have rejoined the Rangers’ lineup until mid-December.
He doesn’t think Callahan will have nearly that long a rehab.
“It’s a big loss, hopefully he’ll be back soon with us, he’s a big part of our team,†Gaborik said. “Everybody has to chip in some other ways as well.
“Hopefully it won’t be long for him,†Gaborik added. “Of course, i don’t know to what extent it is but I hope it’s not going to be for a while. He’s going to have to treat it and strengthen it. I don’t think it’s going to be a long time.â€
Gaborik said he talked to Callahan briefly today and the feeling in the dressing room was Callahan was feeling better than he did last night, when he skated off the ice with his left arm dangling, in obvious pain.
Gaborik said Callahan’s injury is similar to is in some ways. But there are key differences.
“Mine wasn’t as sudden,†Gaborik said. “(Callahan’s) shoulder came out, obviously. But, again, I don’t know how bad it is. He says it feels better so hopefully it won’t be long. It was an ongoing thing for me during the season. I tried to treat it as much as I could and strengthen i prior to the surgery. I don’t think it’s going to be as bad for him.â€
