from Andrew Gross of The Record,

Callahan turns 29 on March 21. Girardi turns the big 3-0 on April 29. And the minimum term either would likely re-sign for with the Rangers is six seasons, even if the organization, so far, is reluctant to offer more than five.

Girardi, even if he’s had to adapt his RoboCop-like shot-blocking game that worked so well under John Tortorella’s system to new coach Alain Vineault’s demands for his defensemen, is the more likely of the two to be playing at a high level later in a six-year deal.

Girardi’s salary demands are less than Callahan’s as he’s reportedly seeking between $5.5 million to $6 million per season, a fair price range for a top-pair defenseman. Callahan is asking for seven years north of $6.5 million per season.

General manager Glen Sather is said to be opposed to losing either as a free agent without compensation, hence all the trade rumors. A rental top-pair defenseman is likely to bring back more than a second-line forward.

But the long-term health of the Rangers would be much better served by retaining Girardi.

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