Rumor: Trade Thread XVI: Callahan looking for $6.85M+ AAV?

[RangerBoy]

The Rangers?

Callahan may be faced with the decision of accepting less than market value.

When it comes time to sign, guys typically maximize the deal. Franchise goalie Henrik Lundqvist wouldn’t sign until he had a deal worth $8.5 million per season. That’s almost $3 million more annually than Jonathan Quick, the goalie to whom he’s most often compared.

Callahan talks are stalled and Dan Girardi’s camp is more than content to take the defenseman to the open market this summer. New York paid a premium to lure Brad Richards in a competitive free-agent market, and the trade for Rick Nash came built in with the winger earning $7.8 million per season.

The Ryan McDonagh deal will ultimately look like a value for the Rangers ($4.7 million annually until 2018-19, per CapGeek.com), but that’s the exception.

When players sign with the Rangers it’s rarely with any built-in discount, which ultimately hurts the team’s ability to spend on quality depth.

“You have to consider cost of living in New York -- 55 percent of every dollar isn’t theirs,” said one veteran agent, explaining the trend.

The other part of the equation is that the Rangers have built this team in part through scouting and player development, which is often a recipe to salary breaks down the road. But New York’s history of paying free agents handsomely in the open market makes that a tougher sell when it’s time to get deals done with that homegrown talent.

“You pay strangers and then ask family to take less,” said the agent. “It’s not acceptable.”

If you’re Ryan Callahan and you’re thinking about taking less than market value, then look around the dressing room at other players with huge paychecks, that motivation can disappear in a hurry. Nobody wants to be that first guy on a team to take a discount.

And why should a player who already sacrifices his body every night also sacrifice his wallet?

Callahan wouldn’t ever say that, plus he’s done talking about this subject. But you couldn’t blame him if he did.

http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/craig-custance/post/_/id/1130/the-challenges-in-a-callahan-deal

The Rangers shouldn't give Callahan 7 years and he should get 7 years on the open market in July.

The Rangers and Callahan could have agreed for longer than 3 in 2011. They had the chance to open space with buying out Wolski and/or Avery. Dallas would have been on the hook for 1/2 the buyout. Didn't happen.

 

[LORDE]

Gonna miss Cally, but wouldn't even consider what he's asking for. It's an immediate "Nope, sorry"

It's too bad it's come to this.

 

[Blue Blooded]

I love how they compared Quick to Lundqvist. Sample size anyone? Quick has been elite for 1 reg. season and 2 playoffs, mediocre for the rest of his career. Lundqvist has been elite for pretty much all of his career except 2 reg. seasons and 1 playoff.

Comparable players? Not even close.

 

[LORDE]

"If you’re Ryan Callahan and you’re thinking about taking less than market value, then look around the dressing room at other players with huge paychecks, that motivation can disappear in a hurry. Nobody wants to be that first guy on a team to take a discount.

And why should a player who already sacrifices his body every night also sacrifice his wallet?

Callahan wouldn’t ever say that, plus he’s done talking about this subject. But you couldn’t blame him if he did."

Yup look around that dressing room. Who's making a lot more than you?

Hank - HOF Goaltender
Nash - power-forward who scores goals and who's contract wasn't even given by current GM
Richards - point producer and the best UFA avalil at the time (not to mention a MISTAKE)

That's about it. Of those guys, he has an argument with BR and that's it. But who doesn't have someone at work who more than likely makes more than them but is worth less (or worthless in some cases) than they are?

It happens everywhere.

 

[Beer League Sniper]

Gonna miss Cally, but wouldn't even consider what he's asking for. It's an immediate "Nope, sorry"

It's too bad it's come to this.

Agreed.

I said it in another post, but he essentially wants the Rangers to preemptively match the offers his agent thinks he's going to receive in UFA. Some desperate, crappy team (Buffalo, Edmonton, Calgary) is going to give him an insane contract. Good for him, but in doing so, he throws away any realistic chance to compete for a cup, and he actually has to live wherever he signs, so good luck with that.

 

[nikonsniper*]

Why does everyone want a pick AND a player for Cally? Why not just really good picks instead? Everywhere I read, Fast is ready to play up here. Part ways with Cally for a 1st and 2nd, maybe even two 1st's, and use the talent we already own?

It depends who our partner is in this.

A pick from St Louis, which might be at #26 or worse, is not a strong as if we trade to, say, Dallas which might be at around 10-12.

If its a cup favorite, its 1+prospect. If its a 8th seed looking for a boost, the 1st might be enough.

 

[aufheben]

So every time you double your salary, you double your food cost, your house cost, etc.?

Most people would, I think. Anyway, this is getting off topic.

 

[Ian]

The only teams that would seriously consider giving Callahan 7 years this offseason are complete bottom-feeder teams.

If that's where he wants to finish his career, going from the captain of a perennial playoff team with a top 3 goalie in his prime to a team surrounded by the promise of high draft picks and little else, hope the door doesn't hit him on the way out.

 

[Fitzy]

Two things...

1. If the state and local taxes are higher, the cap should be higher accordingly. That's just good economic policy.

2. Varlamov just got 5.9 per, so comparing Lundqvist's hit to Quick's only is selective statistical use. Comparing it to a guy like Rask, who even he is less proven than Hank, would be better.

 

[aufheben]

If you guys want to discuss living in NYC, economics, ethics, please bring it to the OT thread. Thanks.

 

[Thirty One]

Two things...

1. If the state and local taxes are higher, the cap should be higher accordingly. That's just good economic policy.

2. Varlamov just got 5.9 per, so comparing Lundqvist's hit to Quick's only is selective statistical use. Comparing it to a guy like Rask, who even he is less proven than Hank, would be better.

Lundqvist's contract isn't comparable to any goalie, though. Surely in the entire league, he must have a peer somewhere.

If you guys want to discuss living in NYC, economics, ethics, please bring it to the OT thread. Thanks.

You're out of control.

 

[NYGBleedBlueNYR]

Two things...

1. If the state and local taxes are higher, the cap should be higher accordingly. That's just good economic policy.

x1000

Perhaps cap is set at "actual dollars" & salaries are allowed to be set to even those out.

 

[Trxjw]

"If you’re Ryan Callahan and you’re thinking about taking less than market value, then look around the dressing room at other players with huge paychecks, that motivation can disappear in a hurry. Nobody wants to be that first guy on a team to take a discount.

And why should a player who already sacrifices his body every night also sacrifice his wallet?

Callahan wouldn’t ever say that, plus he’s done talking about this subject. But you couldn’t blame him if he did."

Yup look around that dressing room. Who's making a lot more than you?

Hank - HOF Goaltender
Nash - power-forward who scores goals and who's contract wasn't even given by current GM
Richards - point producer and the best UFA avalil at the time (not to mention a MISTAKE)

That's about it. Of those guys, he has an argument with BR and that's it. But who doesn't have someone at work who more than likely makes more than them but is worth less (or worthless in some cases) than they are?

It happens everywhere.

I take it your job has an expiration date due to age and physical limitations, and that you're not allowed to change jobs until your contract with your current employer expires, correct?

This isn't a normal job. Callahan needs this contract to set up his family for a long time. He doesn't have a college degree. People are oblivious to the fact that a hockey career is a fifth of the length of a normal person's career.

There is no reason for him to leave money on the table. None.

 

[Infinitum Vitae*]

Doesn't malkin make more than crosby?.... Callahan really doesn't have room to complain about who's getting more in the locker room

 

[LORDE]

I take it your job has an expiration date due to age and physical limitations, and that you're not allowed to change jobs until your contract with your current employer expires, correct?

This isn't a normal job. Callahan needs this contract to set up his family for a long time. He doesn't have a college degree. People are oblivious to the fact that a hockey career is a fifth of the length of a normal person's career.

There is no reason for him to leave money on the table. None.

I fully understand that and don't begrudge him attempting to get the most $ and the longest term. Hopefully it won't be with us. IF he wants to play here and build upon that which he's started, he's going to need to take less.

Let's also not pretend that since hockey isn't like other jobs, and since his job has paid him handsomely (some might suggest ridiculously) for 10 years, he should have been planning for his future. If he hasn't and cant live (comfortably I might add) off what he's made to this point in his career then that's all on him.

I'm not shedding tears for an athlete who's career length is a fraction of mine but who makes more in one year than I do in decades. Plan your future because you know you won't be playing after 40.

 

[offdacrossbar]

ryan should chase the cash all the way to buffalo.

i dont blame him one bit. he shouldnt be forced to take less than market and we shouldnt be forced to pay him more than hes worth to our team now and in the future.

his role will be further diminished with age and improvement of our overall forward talent.

part ways.

 

[aufheben]

I fully understand that and don't begrudge him attempting to get the most $ and the longest term. Hopefully it won't be with us. IF he wants to play here and build upon that which he's started, he's going to need to take less.

Let's also not pretend that since hockey isn't like other jobs, and since his job has paid him handsomely (some might suggest ridiculously) for 10 years, he should have been planning for his future. If he hasn't and cant live (comfortably I might add) off what he's made to this point in his career then that's all on him.

I'm not shedding tears for an athlete who's career length is a fraction of mine but who makes more in one year than I do in decades. Plan your future because you know you won't be playing after 40.

Getting as much $ as he can out of contracts is planning for his future. The biggest reason to save money is for the unknown.

Callahan has been a heart and soul guy for this team his entire career. I will be very sad to see him leave, but I would completely understand.

A lot of sports fans will turn on a player instantly for whatever reasons (i.e. Dubisnky, Stepan), and these players should be expected to leave millions of dollars on the table for the respect of these same fans? Ok.

 

[SixGoalieSystem]

I fully understand that and don't begrudge him attempting to get the most $ and the longest term. Hopefully it won't be with us. IF he wants to play here and build upon that which he's started, he's going to need to take less.

Let's also not pretend that since hockey isn't like other jobs, and since his job has paid him handsomely (some might suggest ridiculously) for 10 years, he should have been planning for his future. If he hasn't and cant live (comfortably I might add) off what he's made to this point in his career then that's all on him.

I'm not shedding tears for an athlete who's career length is a fraction of mine but who makes more in one year than I do in decades. Plan your future because you know you won't be playing after 40.

He is planning for the future by getting the most out of his (possibly) last contract.

I'm sure he's not asking you to shed tears for him. He should and will try the market. The Rangers should not give him what he is asking.

I just hope this is done pretty soon. I don't think the constant speculation is good for the team .

 

[Greg02]

There is no reason for him to leave money on the table. None.

Happiness?

There's more to life than money. I'm not saying that making more money in a different city won't make him happier than less in NY, but it's a little silly to say that there's no reason why he might.

 

[RGY]

I take it your job has an expiration date due to age and physical limitations, and that you're not allowed to change jobs until your contract with your current employer expires, correct?

This isn't a normal job. Callahan needs this contract to set up his family for a long time. He doesn't have a college degree. People are oblivious to the fact that a hockey career is a fifth of the length of a normal person's career.

There is no reason for him to leave money on the table. None.

Good for him. He has priced himself out of the rangers plans. $6 million for his style of play and production is absurd.


Move on. This rangers team this year will make the playoffs with or without him. You can't pay that much money to him. Look at other players in this league. He wants Lucic money. He is not as productive and effective as Lucic. He just isn't. Bergeron will make $6.5 million next year. Does he produce like Bergeron? Marchand makes 4.5, Eriksson 4.25. Callahan is delusional. We made the mistake of paying for intangibles once. Not going to make it again.

And I don't give a crap about what Brad Richards makes. When we signed him we had a desperate NEED at center. Richards produced over his career. A stanley cup and conn smythe winner. Callahan has not been on that level and he is replaceable. I like Callahan, but I hate to break it to the fans here who think they can't live without him...he is indeed replaceable.

Girardi re-signs. RHD, 1st pair-2nd pair defenseman.
Callahan traded. RWer, 2nd line on a good year, but in reality a 3rd liner who PKs.

And I'm also tired of hearing about how he needs to set up his future. $5.5 million/5 years/ $27.5 million can't set your family up for your future? Even with taxes? Get someone to manage your damn money if you have expensive tastes/

 

[aufheben]

Happiness?

There's more to life than money. I'm not saying that making more money in a different city won't make him happier than less in NY, but it's a little silly to say that there's no reason why he might.

The only realistic reason to take a pay cut is to help your team win a Cup. Do you see that happening any time soon? What other reasons are there? Respect of the fans, who will turn on a player in a moment? Happiness? If throwing money away makes anyone happy, I think that's awesome, but come on...

I regularly give friends and such discounts on work, it's more of a bad habit than a virtue.

 

[Trxjw]

I fully understand that and don't begrudge him attempting to get the most $ and the longest term. Hopefully it won't be with us. IF he wants to play here and build upon that which he's started, he's going to need to take less.

Let's also not pretend that since hockey isn't like other jobs, and since his job has paid him handsomely (some might suggest ridiculously) for 10 years, he should have been planning for his future. If he hasn't and cant live (comfortably I might add) off what he's made to this point in his career then that's all on him.

I'm not shedding tears for an athlete who's career length is a fraction of mine but who makes more in one year than I do in decades. Plan your future because you know you won't be playing after 40.

All I said was that having someone in your office who is overpaid isn't the same thing as what Callahan is facing.

This franchise has built Callahan up as the "heart and soul" of the team. They've marketed him as the definition of hard work and effort. It's very hard to do that and then turn around and say, "Sorry, we don't think you're worth what we gave to Brad Richards, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, or Wade Redden." The fact of whether or not Callahan actually deserves that money isn't really relevant, it basically boils down to "When it comes to writing a check, we valued these other guys more than we valued you." We can put all of the injury risk and age spin on it we want, but this team has a serious history of throwing money around at lesser players than Callahan.

That doesn't mean that I think he's worth $6M per year for 7 years, but I'm also not the one who signed Richards, Redden, etc.

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

All I said was that having someone in your office who is overpaid isn't the same thing as what Callahan is facing.

This franchise has built Callahan up as the "heart and soul" of the team. They've marketed him as the definition of hard work and effort. It's very hard to do that and then turn around and say, "Sorry, we don't think you're worth what we gave to Brad Richards, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, or Wade Redden." The fact of whether or not Callahan actually deserves that money isn't really relevant, it basically boils down to "When it comes to writing a check, we valued these other guys more than we valued you." We can put all of the injury risk and age spin on it we want, but this team has a serious history of throwing money around at lesser players than Callahan.

That doesn't mean that I think he's worth $6M per year for 7 years, but I'm also not the one who signed Richards, Redden, etc.

How about "we learned from those lessons?"

 

[Greg02]

The only realistic reason to take a pay cut is to help your team win a Cup. Do you see that happening any time soon? What other reasons are there? Respect of the fans, who will turn on a player in a moment? Happiness? If throwing money away makes anyone happy, I think that's awesome, but come on...

If you prefer NY to Buffalo, chances are you'd work in NY for a dollar less than you'd work in Buffalo, but wouldn't for ten million less. I believe that this implies that there's a point where you decide the extra money is worth more than the location. It also implies that you're willing to sacrifice some money in order to be happier.

 

[jniklast]

The only realistic reason to take a pay cut is to help your team win a Cup. Do you see that happening any time soon? What other reasons are there? Respect of the fans, who will turn on a player in a moment? Happiness? If throwing money away makes anyone happy, I think that's awesome, but come on...

I regularly give friends and such discounts on work, it's more of a bad habit than a virtue.

Or if you like the city more or you don't want to move. The higher cost of living in NYC is one thing, but you also "get" something for your money. I for one would prefer earning 6 million dollars in NYC over, say, Phoenix.

Money is of course the most important thing, but there are enough cases in the world of sports where players took less money to stay with their teams. And it's not always to increase the chance of winning trophies.

Of course it's Cally's right to go after the money only, but it's not like that's what everybody does or would do.