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Rangers trade Ryan Callahan for Martin St. Louis – Metro US

Rangers trade Ryan Callahan for Martin St. Louis

Ryan Callahan Ryan Callahan is off to the Lightning for Martin St. Louis.
Credit: Getty Images

The captain’s ship has sailed.

The Rangers officially announced Wednesday morning that captain Ryan Callahan has been traded to the Lightning for right wing Martin St. Louis. The Rangers also includeda first-round pick in 2015 and second-round pick in 2014.

The 2014 second-round pick would become a first-rounder if the Rangers make the Eastern Conference finals but the Rangers would get the Lightning’s 2015 second-round pick if Callahan re-signs in Tampa Bay.

Callahan, 28, was set to be a free agent following the season and the team was working on coming to an extension. The two sides were stuck on a deal, with reports indicating Callahan wanted in the neighborhood of six years and $40 million, but the Rangers only willing to offer about $36 million.

St. Louis, 38, is an explosive offensive player. He has 29 goals and 32 assists this season even approaching 40 years old. He won the scoring title last season with 60 points in the srike-shortened 48-game season and is eighth in points this season.

The winger had expressed an interest in getting out of Tampa Bay and even a desire to go to the Rangers.

Head coach Alain Vigneault’s offensive-minded system should make St. Louis feel right at home. Callahan was known as a gritty player who fit well in former head coach John Tortorella’s system.

He has just 11 goals and 14 assists, however, only eighth on the team — behind even defenseman Ryan McDonagh.

It appeared as recently as Wednesday morning the team would get an extension done. Reports on Tuesday evening indicated the two sides were narrowing in on a deal. The Rangers had agreed to a six-year extension with Callahan’s friend and teammate Dan Girardi on Saturday.

Follow Metro New York Sports Editor Mark Osborne on Twitter @MetroNYSports.