from Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times,

Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman remains hopeful he can sign veteran wing Ryan Callahan before he becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1st.

But while agent Steve Bartlett says both sides have made progress in recent weeks, they don't appear close to an agreement.

"It's at a critical stage where we have to find a way to close the gap," Bartlett said.

It seems all the more likely that Callahan, as expected, will at least be able to test free agency. Bartlett expects teams will reach out to him on Wednesday, the first day they're allowed to make contact. While no offers can be made from other clubs until July 1, it will at least give Callahan's camp an idea of who else is in the running.

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