From Feb. 22nd – twitter exchange, followed by two tweets: @pux19: “Parise and Bylsma take a big hit too. Leadership??!! Where, when? Not helping Cally’s trade stock/leverage either.” Boomer Esiason responds: “That’s already a done deal. The only thing that will hurt a trade now is an injury.”Esiason: “Marty, Marty , Marty in a good way? Hard to believe.” … “Its coming and it will be huge. Surprising, shocking, inevitable, and all about business. $$$ #NHL #tradedeadline”
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: There is no pending trade that would send Martin St. Louis to the New York Rangers. Rangers GM Glen Sather did ask the Lightning if they would be interested in a Ryan Callahan – St. Louis trade, but Yzerman made it clear he wouldn’t do a trade for a rental player. The Rangers have made no progress in signing Callahan to a contract extension. He’s believed to be looking for $6.75 million, which is more than the Lightning would be potentially interested in paying him. The Rangers have been unwilling to go over five years and maybe a bit more than $6 million per season. The Rangers don’t appear to be willing to send young players, prospects and/or draft picks with Callahan for St. Louis. Callahan has stated he wants to stay with the Rangers, but hasn’t moved off his asking price. He should get lots of interest by the deadline.
Steve Zipay: “Not close” regarding the rumor of the Rangers trading Callahan for St. Louis.
Bob McKenzie: The Rangers haven’t made any contract progress with Callahan or Dan Girardi during the Olympic break. Term is still an issue for both.
Bob McKenzie: The Rangers don’t have any trades imminent for either Callahan or Girardi. Expect it will go on for another seven to 10 days.
David Pagnotta: The Lightning are not trading Martin St. Louis to the Rangers for Ryan Callahan.
David Pagnotta: Rangers Ryan Callahan is almost certainly getting traded at the deadline, if not sooner.
David Pagnotta: Callahan’s agent, Steve Bartlett, said that he had been open to talking to the Rangers during the break, but didn’t sound optimistic. Nothing has changed.
