Ryan Callahan nearing extension with Lightning
By Cory Buck
Ryan Callahan signing a long term extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning is ‘imminent’ according to Sportsnet. The Lightning had traded Martin St. Louis to the New York Rangers for Callahan and two first-round picks. Should Callahan end up signing, the Lightning will send the Rangers a second round pick.
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Sportsnet writes about the contract, “While the precise terms of the extension weren’t immediately available, it is believed to be in excess of five years and worth as much as $5.5-million per season.”
Callahan served as the captain of the Rangers before being traded shortly before the trade deadline this past spring. He is known for being a strong two-way player with admirable intangibles. Tampa Bay coach John Cooper repeatedly stressed his appreciation for Callahan after the season ended.
Per Pro Hockey Talk, Cooper said shortly after Tampa’s playoff exit, “As long as I’m coaching this team, I want Ryan Callahan on the bench. I don’t know how much stronger I can be about that.”
Callahan turned 29 in March. He totaled 36 points in 65 games this season, including 11 points in 20 games with the Lightning. He was pointless in four playoff games with Tampa as the team was swept by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Callahan was also named to the Team USA Hockey Team this past February in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. It had been his second straight appointment to Team USA.