Should Rangers trade Ryan Callahan and Dan Girardi?
The case to trade them
Gritty Callahan and Girardi were both symbolic of Tortorella’s style of play. Girardi seems to be having less impact under coach Alain Vigneault. Trading captain Callahan further symbolizes the move in another direction under Vigneault.
The Rangers are still in the hunt to finish third in the Metropolitan, but it might be possible for them to stay in that hunt and still trade these guys. With many teams fighting salary cap issues, the Rangers might be able to get a veteran and a prospect and/or draft pick in return for each of those players. You could trade one for veteran help and the other for draft picks and prospects.
There is a league-wide romance with both of those players because of their intangibles. Both seem to be more valuable in the playoffs. If the Rangers just let it play out, they could leave New York. They would be among the hottest free agents. They would both get big offers.
The Rangers would have more salary cap room if they leave next summer, but no extra prospect or draft pick. Girardi’s situation under Vigneault might simply be a square peg-round hole situation.
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2013/12/should-rangers-trade-ryan-callahan-dan-girardi-nhl-preview/#sthash.nw4p1tp1.uxfs