Sportsnet is reporting that Ryan Callahan is close to re-signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The terms of the deal are thought to be in the five-six year, $5.5 million per range with a partial no trade clause. (Photo/Susan Ferlita)
Here is the report from Sportsnet:
The 29-year-old was eligible to pursue unrestricted free agency on July 1, but a source indicated that a new deal with the Lightning is “imminent.” While the precise terms of the extension weren’t immediately available, it is believed to be in excess of five years and worth as much as $5.5-million per season.
Scott Bartlett, one of Callahan’s agents, tweeted on Tuesday night that the sides had found “common ground towards a new deal.”
Callahan earned $4.825-million last season. The former New York Rangers captain was dealt to Tampa at the trade deadline after failing to negotiate an extension that would have kept him in Manhattan.
He put up 11 points in 20 regular-season for the Lightning.
Once his signing is completed, Tampa will send a second-round draft pick to the Rangers to complete the trade. The Lightning also received two first-round picks in the deal and sent former captain Marty St. Louis the other way.
If the Bolts sign Callahan, the Rangers will receive a second round pick in the 2015 draft and they will send their seventh round pick to New York.
At $5.5 million per year, Callahan is just what the doctor ordered for the Bolts. A gritty, physical on ice presence, coupled with the hard to find locker room leadership.
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