With the New York Rangers still unable to agree to terms with unrestricted free agent-to-be Ryan Callahan, the talks with the Tampa Bay Lightning about landing Martin St. Louis have once again heated up.
Rangers close to re-signing Ryan Callahan, may deal him
According to ESPNNewYork.com, the Blueshirts and Lightning have resumed discussions of a trade that would bring St. Louis to Broadway, after talks stalled last week.
St. Louis reportedly requested a trade last month that would ship him out of Tampa Bay, and according to reports the Rangers were the one team that he really wanted to go to, though it is unknown if any other teams are on his mind as a potential landing spot as he looks to change up his situation.
Martin St. Louis wants to go to the Rangers?
St. Louis was miffed at the Lightning and team Canada general manager Steve Yzerman after he left him off of Team Canada for the Sochi Olympic Games. St. Louis eventually made the squad, which ended up winning its second consecutive gold medal, as a replacement of injured teammate Steven Stamkos, who consequently is set to return to the Lightning lineup Wednesday against the Buffalo Sabres.
The Rangers continued to talk with Callahan and his agent Steve Bartlett on Tuesday night, and while the sides have come to terms on a six-year pact, they remain $500,000 apart on opposite sides of $6 million for the captain's salary.
With talks hitting a snag, the team could end up dealing Callahan for St. Louis, or keeping both and then losing Callahan to free agency in July.
Flyers, Penguins in play for Canucks Ryan Kesler?
The Rangers (33-26-3, seventh in the Eastern Conference) may stall talks with Callahan if the team feels it has a legitimate chance to land St. Louis, who leads the Lightning (34-23-5, fourth in Eastern Conference), with 61 points in 62 games off of 29 goals and 32 assists.
The Rangers also expressed interest in Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler, who has drawn interest from several teams but reportedly would not waive his no-trade clause to play with the Rangers.
It remains to be seen how things shake out, but the Rangers and Lightning are talking as the seconds tick off towards the 3 p.m. ET NHL trade deadline.
Your turn: Where will Callahan, St. Louis and Kesler end up? @SportsWN @MikeSmollins
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