It would take more than Callahan to land Kesler

Girardi’s agents and Rangers GM Glen Sather are not believed to be far apart on the numbers, reportedly around a six-year deal worth $5.5 million per season. Callahan, on the other hand, is believed to be seeking a seven-year contract for close to $7 million per season, both higher than Sather would prefer.

Callahan’s agent, Steve Bartlett, said in an email to the Daily News on Thursday afternoon that he’d had “a couple discussions” with the Rangers in the previous 24 hours, their first contact in about three weeks. However, Bartlett added there was “nothing more to report,” and the closer it gets to Wednesday without Callahan re-signed in New York, the more likely it is he’ll be dealt if an attractive offer arises.

Six teams had scouts at the Garden on Thursday night: the Phoenix Coyotes, Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets and Dallas Stars. The Canucks reportedly are listening to offers for center Ryan Kesler, a former player of Vigneault’s, though Kesler said Thursday he wants to remain in Vancouver, and his price tag undoubtedly would be higher than a swap for Callahan.

Callahan, like Girardi, helped pace Thursday’s penalty killing and had three blocked shots in a gritty 18:23 of ice time. He also survived a scare when Chicago defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson’s slap shot hit him in the side of the head/neck and nearly ended the trade speculation altogether.