- Chris Nichols: Thomas Vanek’s agent: “I understand we’re getting close to the time where Garth may feel he needs to act.”
- Dennis Bernstein: Vanek would be a costly rental and his salary cap number doesn’t really work for the Kings.
- Jason Brough: Vanek to the Kings makes sense. Brough is not sure though what the Kings would, or could, give up for Vanek though.
- Chris Botta: The Islanders may have to consider benching Vanek until a trade is made, and to get it done before the Olympics. He’s a player that doesn’t need to be showcased.
- Katie Strang: Vanek has never had the opportunity to test the free agent market. Hard to blame him for wanting have the opportunity too.
- Katie Strang of ESPN: Ryan Callahan is reportedly looking for a seven-year deal in the $42 million range, and the Rangers reportedly offered a five-year deal worth $30 million.
“I’m going to circle back with the Rangers this week,” Callahan’s agent Steve Bartlett told ESPNNewYork.com when reached by phone Monday morning.
The Rangers gave them permission to talk with multiple teams, but there has been “Nothing in the last couple of days,” he said.
Bartlett plans to talk with Callahan on Tuesday. The Rangers have three games before the Olympic break and head coach Alain Vigneault expects him to be in the lineup Tuesday.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: “Status quo” from Ryan Callahan’s agent. One source on Callahan’s asking price: “On the open market, he’ll get it.”
- Custance on the Rangers allowing Callahan’s agent to talk to teams,
The move to allow dialogue between Bartlett and other teams is one that comes with risk for the Rangers and GM Glen Sather. If teams that might have been interested in trading for him sour at the potential price tag, that could eliminate one possible trade partner the Rangers would have had otherwise.
And if it’s strictly a negotiating ploy by the Rangers to lower the asking price, there’s risk there too. Pierre LeBrun reported that Callahan’s camp is seeking a seven-year deal worth $6 million per season. It’s a steep price for a winger with a history of injuries and a skill set that typically doesn’t age well. Even so, with a rising salary cap and talent at a premium, the expectation is that it’s a contract demand in line with what he could land.
Callahan’s talks with the Rangers have stalled. Dan Girardi’s camp may be looking at the open market this summer.
One veteran agent:
“You have to consider cost of living in New York — 55 percent of every dollar isn’t theirs.”
“You pay strangers and then ask family to take less,” said the agent. “It’s not acceptable.”
- Dan Rosen: “Re. Callahan, I get the point of getting assets in a trade if NYR won’t sign him, but trading him would be a gutpunch to an improving team.”
- Gary Lawless: Jets pending UFA defenseman Mark Stuart said he wants to stay with the team beyond trade deadline day and into the future.
- Mike Harrington: Scouting the Oilers – Sabres: Red Wings, Canadiens, Blackhawks, Flyers, Avalanche, Bruins, Penguins, Ducks, Jets, Blues, Sharks, Predators, Stars and Maple Leafs.
- Dennis Bernstein: Non-regular scouts at the Blackhawks – Kings game: Lightning, Stars, Jets, Hurricanes and Wild.
Darren Dreger on NHL Live: Vanek, Kings, Stamkos, Callahan and Girardi