New York Rangers' alternate captain Ryan Callahan still waiting to be re-signed -2011 NHL Update
Ryan Callahan is right back in the same situation he was over two years ago when New York Rangers re-signed him onto the team in a move to avoid a salary arbitration hearing to a two-year contract worth $4.6 million. Unlike last time, the 26-year-old alternative
captain is still in the negotiating process with New York, which at the moment, looks to be heading towards the hearing.
New York on the other hand, has had its hands full throughout the offseason after a prospering postseason, as they signed on the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) free agency’s top free agent, Brad Richards, to a huge nine-year deal.
Callahan was one of the four players who filed for salary arbitration on July 6, which includes Brian Boyle, Brandon Dubinsky and Michael Sauer, but the problem remains that he is the only one left, while the others have inked their own separate deals.
With the arbitration hearing set for Thursday, there is no clear picture on what could be going on before then, or whether both sides will enter the enquiry.
According to latest statements issued by Callahan’s agent, Steve Bartlett, there is no progress from both sides, even though he has submitted his proposal, but has not received the necessary feedback.
The young right winger from Rochester, New York, United States, was selected by Rangers as their 127th overall pick during round-four of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He was signed on to the major league team nearly two-years later and has appeared
in five seasons since then.
Last season, Callahan put up some impressive numbers and achieved career high statistics by scoring 48 points (23 goals, 25 assists) in 60 games played.
With the buyout of former captain of Rangers, Chris Drury, Ryan Callahan is expected to take over as captain, and with his performance record, it is not hard to see why.
Something which might have fans reassured is the case with Brandon Dubinsky, who was also going through the same faze as Callahan. Dubinsky was signed on the morning of his arbitration hearing, which gives hope to Callahan’s situation.
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