New York Rangers Bring Back Heart and Soul by Resigning Ryan Callahan

Ryan Callahan has been considered the heart and soul of this "never quit" New York Rangers team. His style and ability to block shots, proved to be inspiring to his Rangers teammates.  With his future and cap hit a little uncertain, all roads appeared to lead to arbitration.  Both sides avoid that by coming to terms a day before his scheduled arbitration hearing.

Callahan has reportedly signed a three year, $12.825 million deal.  Within this new deal, Callahan does not have a no-movement and no-trade clause.The new deal will come as a $4 million cap hit for the first two years and a $4.825 million hit in his final year. This reportedly leaves the New York Rangers with approximately $700,000 left in cap space.

I’m sure both sides would have liked a longer deal but a three year deal works out perfectly for both the New York Rangers and Ryan Callahan. The Rangers can now turn their focus on Callahan, Dan Girardi, and Henrik Lundqvist before they hit the free market in the summer of 2015. Brandon Dubinsky and Marc Staal are schedule to become unrestricted free agents in the summer of 2016.

At the young age of 26, Callahan has had a major impact on this New York Rangers team.  Before the signing of Brad Richards, Cally appeared he was the front runner in replace Chris Drury, claiming the Captain role. 

Callahan is coming off an injury plagued season.  Last year, Callahan missed games in December to a broken hand. Callahan was also sidelined by a Zdeno Chara slap shot in April, breaking his ankle and bringing is missed game totals to 22.

Callahan's style of play and willingness to sacrifice his body, Cally has proven to be a role model to his teammates, especially the rookies.  Ryan Callahan is a leader of this young Ranger team and has the potential to be a 30 goal scorer.  With Dubinsky and Boyle signed, the Rangers have players they can continue to build around. 

Next year the Rangers should have around $15 millions in cap space to add to their young core.