In a surprising move just hours before the NHL trade deadline, the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning pulled off a major deal on Wednesday, swapping captains Ryan Callahan and Martin St. Louis in a blockbuster.
The Rangers had been trying to sign Callahan, who can become an unrestricted free agent this summer, but weren't able to reach an agreement with the gritty forward. Instead of risking losing him for nothing on the open market, New York dealt him, a second-round pick in this year's draft, and a first round pick in next year's draft to Tampa Bay for St. Louis, a disgruntled two-time NHL scoring champion.
The second-round selection this year would become a first-rounder if the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference finals this season. If Callahan re-signs with the Lightning, the teams will then trade picks in next year's draft. New York would acquire the Lightning's second-round pick, and Tampa Bay would get New York's seventh-round selection.
Callahan was reportedly seeking a six-year deal worth $6.5 million per season. It is believed the Rangers were willing to agree to a six-year term, but not pay more than $6 million a season.
The 38-year-old St. Louis, who led the NHL in the lockout-shortened 2013 season with 60 points, had been seeking a trade after initially being left off Canada's Olympic roster by Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman, who served as Canada's executive director. St. Louis was added to the squad when Lightning teammate Steven Stamkos was unable to play because of injury.
Callahan, a Rochester, N.Y., native, was a member of the U.S. Olympic team at the Sochi Games.
St. Louis had a no-trade clause, and recent reports stated the Rangers were the team he wanted to join. The 38-year-old right wing has one year left on his contract. He will earn $5 million next season and be a $5.625 million salary-cap charge.
"We'd like to thank Marty for everything he has done on and off the ice during his outstanding 13-year career in Tampa Bay," Yzerman said in a statement. "He has been one of the greatest players in the organization's history, but in the end we honored his request."
This trade reunites St. Louis with forward Brad Richards, who was his high-scoring teammate with Tampa Bay before the Lightning traded him to Dallas in February 2008. Richards signed a free-agent deal with the Rangers in July 2011.
They will likely be linemates again with the Rangers. St. Louis was trying to travel to New York in time for the Rangers' game Wednesday night against Toronto.
St. Louis was the Hart Trophy winner as NHL MVP in the 2003-04 season, and he has captured the Lady Byng Trophy as the league's most gentlemanly player three times.
In 62 games this season, St. Louis has 29 goals and 32 assists with a plus-12 rating. He is fifth in the league in goals and eighth in points. Last season he became the oldest player to win the scoring title and joined Mario Lemieux and Gordie Howe as the only players to post at least 1.25 points per game at 37 or older.
St. Louis, a six-time All-Star, has 369 goals and 604 assists in 1,041 career games over 15 seasons with Tampa Bay and Calgary.
Callahan, who will turn 29 later this month, has 11 goals and 14 assists in 45 games this season. He was chosen by the Rangers in the fourth round of the 2004 draft and has 132 goals and 254 points in 450 career NHL games with them over eight seasons.
He became Rangers captain before the 2011-12 season — the fifth youngest in team history at age 26. Callahan was also the first New York state native to be Rangers captain.
Callahan took part in the Rangers' morning skate on Wednesday but didn't speak to reporters afterward. He is expected to make his Lightning debut on Thursday at home against Buffalo.
"The Lightning are very excited to have Ryan Callahan join the organization and help us in our quest to make the playoffs," Yzerman said. "Ryan is an outstanding player and leader who we look forward to seeing on the ice (Thursday) night."
In a letter distributed by the Lightning, St. Louis tells fans about his departure from the team:
“Today is a bittersweet day for me. I am sad that this chapter of my career is over. I have had 14 wonderful years in Tampa and have cherished being a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning. I would like to thank Mr. Vinik, Tod Leiweke, Steve Yzerman, Bill Wickett, Jon Cooper and the coaching staff and the entire Lightning organization for everything they have done for me through the years and today.
“Mr. Vinik is an amazing owner and man, I am and will remain entirely thankful and appreciative of him and everything he has done for me and my family. I am also so thankful to the unbelievable fans of Tampa Bay.
“When I arrived here in 2000, you all supported and believed in me when not many did. You have continued to support me through the years and I am extremely thankful for it! I know many of you are disappointed with me for my decision to want to leave.
“I would rather not discuss what brought me to that decision, but in the end this is a decision for my family. I respect the fact that many of you do not agree with my decision and are angry with it. All I really can say is that I am sorry and I am very appreciative of the support you have shown me through the years.
“Last but not least, I want to thank my teammates and the training staff. I have made some friends here who will be my friends for life. I will miss them all.
“My wife, my 3 boys and I will always hold Tampa very near and dear to our hearts. This has been our home and where we have built an amazing life. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you Tampa for everything you have provided me and my family.”
