Ryan Callahan feels at home with Tampa Bay Lightning
By Cory Buck
Winger Ryan Callahan feels at home with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Tampa Bay Lightning will begin the 2014-15 season among the favorites in the Eastern Conference to stand atop their division and fight for a Stanley Cup berth. That’s in part because of the team’s six-year deal signed with winger Ryan Callahan, who has brought professionalism and strong two-play to a team that needs to be better on defense. With just a handful of games to his credit in Tampa, Callahan is already feeling at home both on the ice and off.
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“It starts to feel like home,” Callahan said per Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. “It takes a little bit of time, obviously, I’m really happy to spend the next years now and eventually call this my home.”
Callahan had called New York City home for his whole career until late last season when he was traded near the deadline for Martin St. Louis. He then signed a six year deal worth over $34 million to remain in Tampa. Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said the effect of Callahan on the team was instant.
“What he brings, his intangibles, his fearlessness on the ice. You look at a guy you want to be on your team come those tough situations, it’s Cally,” Stamkos said.
Ryan Callahan is happy to be in Tampa and Tampa is happy to have Ryan Callahan. If the team can remain cohesive and relatively healthy, then it should be a good season for both parties this year.
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