Hockey is the only in which the playing surface is significantly different from continent to continent, its a different game and can understand why Russian stars don't really like the NHL game, and I can't blame them. The Swedes, Czechs and Slovaks seem to adjust their game much better than the Russians...
- Blueshirts4ever

There has to be something to why the NHL players flocked to the super leagues of Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic etc etc. Seemed like it was a tough sell for North American players to go to the KHL unless the money was too good to pass up.

I think the other leagues lend themselves more to the NHL game, could be as simple as they train and run their leagues in the IIHF style while Russia just does their own way.

Side note, I have nothing against Russia, I just really do not like Ovechkin.

No matter how you slice it, Callahan has the leverage, Slats thinking here is correct, if he is serious about trading him then he has to exhaust every avenue possible to get the highest possible return. Problem is he cast a lure into a puddle in Central Park. He knows that, so its going to come down to him giving in somewhat which means they are getting less than the value than Callahan will get on the open market in a trade. Obviously they aren't getting a player back that plays like a $42 million star. Thats the way it goes, I want Callahan here and wish they'd re-sign him, but Ive resigned myself to the fact that he is no longer going to be here. Slats held the cards in previous negotiations, now the player does. Its the nature of the beast.
- Blueshirts4ever

It sure is, if he's not dealt by Friday I think there's a good chance he'll be here uuntil at least the deadline. Sather can always hope a contending team loses a someone and comes knocking on his door for Callahan.

There has to be something to why the NHL players flocked to the super leagues of Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic etc etc. Seemed like it was a tough sell for North American players to go to the KHL unless the money was too good to pass up.

I think the other leagues lend themselves more to the NHL game, could be as simple as they train and run their leagues in the IIHF style while Russia just does their own way.

Side note, I have nothing against Russia, I just really do not like Ovechkin.
- DDM-Coga

I think the facilities have a lot to do with it. I remember when Jagr came back from Russia he said the thing he missed the most was the quality of the facilities, the medical staffs, etc. Its hard to imagine that Cherapanov's health problems wouldn't have been diagnosed sooner here.

I think the facilities have a lot to do with it. I remember when Jagr came back from Russia he said the thing he missed the most was the quality of the facilities, the medical staffs, etc. Its hard to imagine that Cherapanov's health problems wouldn't have been diagnosed sooner here.
- Blueshirts4ever

I forgot about him, thats a shame, he had star written all over him. I thought you stole him late in the draft that year.

I noticed all the cap talk earlier in this thread. Buy out Richards seems like its going to happen, but do you guys think you trade Staal now as well? If you think he is going to bolt to Carolina, tryand get max value for him and retool the roster?

Man o man has Sather really backed himself into a corner with the Callahan business. Reading Larry Brooks this morning, it's almost become a no win for the Rangers. Teams are not making serious offers because they know if they truly want Callahan, they will just wait till summer and try to sign him. I guess they can always use the "we've decided to wait till the NHL trade deadline", if Slats can't broker a suitable deal by Friday. But, then he risks Callahan going to Sochi and chipping a tooth, or worse be injured in an NHL game between now and the deadline. I guess for Cally the worse that could happen is Sather takes a low ball deal this week and off he goes. If happens a lot of people are not going to be happy.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

I can't recall many times where Slats has lost the leverage but this is a unique situation. And honestly, I don't think Sather's ego will allow him to make what he feels is a substandard offer. Some fans may not like the Klein for Del Zotto deal but it was defensible due to Klein's steady play and contractual control. If at the end of the day Slats moves Callahan, we may not get that top young player and draft pick or solid NHL player plus asset, but it will be something that helps this team.

I forgot about him, thats a shame, he had star written all over him. I thought you stole him late in the draft that year.

I noticed all the cap talk earlier in this thread. Buy out Richards seems like its going to happen, but do you guys think you trade Staal now as well? If you think he is going to bolt to Carolina, tryand get max value for him and retool the roster?
- DDM-Coga

I'm not sure what internal deadline they will establish but they will set one and try to extend Staal before then. If they reach a point and don't think they can get an extension done then they will trade him in all likelihood. In today's salary cap world you can't lose valuable assets for nothing. Teams have to be more proactive, either getting their key players extended or trying to recoup value.

As for Staal, he is playing some of his best hockey and seems to be finally fully recovered from the concussions. He is a very valuable player as he allows the Rangers to essentially ice two shutdown defense pairs. The Rangers are a better team when he is playing well and they realize that and will try to extend him.

vanek has turned down a substantial offer from the islanders.

edit: apparently it was a MAX deal for 8 years

vanek has turned down a substantial offer from the islanders.
- rangerdanger94

Where did you see that?

Where did you see that?
- gkmkiller

arthur staple tweeted it.

no way they are the hottest ticket in town now, time for the bangwagon fans to climb on board
- DDM-Coga

I hope you guys beat the Devils but I'm expecting the win to come in overtime, be prepared for some boring ass hockey

I'm not sure what internal deadline they will establish but they will set one and try to extend Staal before then. If they reach a point and don't think they can get an extension done then they will trade him in all likelihood. In today's salary cap world you can't lose valuable assets for nothing. Teams have to be more proactive, either getting their key players extended or trying to recoup value.

As for Staal, he is playing some of his best hockey and seems to be finally fully recovered from the concussions. He is a very valuable player as he allows the Rangers to essentially ice two shutdown defense pairs. The Rangers are a better team when he is playing well and they realize that and will try to extend him.
- gkmkiller

The Rangers have the chance to have contractual tranquility with a collection of probably the best top 3 d-men they had in their history. Thats a big time luxury, these guys are hard to find and the Rangers have 3 shut down d-men.

vanek has turned down a substantial offer from the islanders.

edit: apparently it was a MAX deal for 8 years
- rangerdanger94

Not even the prospect of playing in Brooklyn could get him to stay.

arthur staple tweeted it.
- rangerdanger94

If I were the Isles I'd contact Anaheim about acquiring a finishing piece and get back Gibson but hey goaltending is over rated

vanek has turned down a substantial offer from the islanders.

edit: apparently it was a MAX deal for 8 years
- rangerdanger94

Its bull that its max 8 years, if they offered him 8 either islanders dont know they are not allowed to or if the source is saying 8 he is making it up

I hope you guys beat the Devils but I'm expecting the win to come in overtime, be prepared for some boring ass hockey
- cranford93

I hope we pump the Devils, Duchene is snake bitten and hasnt scored in 20 games, but has like a million assists. If he pots one early, he will have a multi point game. the amount of posts he has hit latetly is comical now

Its bull that its max 8 years, if they offered him 8 either islanders dont know they are not allowed to or if the source is saying 8 he is making it up
- DDM-Coga

You can re-sign your own players to 8 year deals. Max is 7 when targeting UFAs. Which is why we need to prepare for NBA sign and trades to happen at some point....lame.

Its bull that its max 8 years, if they offered him 8 either islanders dont know they are not allowed to or if the source is saying 8 he is making it up
- DDM-Coga

i think the isles can offer him 8 year. it's whatever team the player is currently on that can go the full 8 years, i believe.

You can re-sign your own players to 8 year deals. Max is 7 when targeting UFAs. Which is why we need to prepare for NBA sign and trades to happen at some point....lame.
- mrhattrick27

Know as the NHL's bastardized version of the Larry Bird rule

You can re-sign your own players to 8 year deals. Max is 7 when targeting UFAs. Which is why we need to prepare for NBA sign and trades to happen at some point....lame.
- mrhattrick27

they have to play a full season with you prior for it to be 8 year deal. was reading the rules this morning to confirm that. So cant trade for a rental and offer him 8 year max

Man o man has Sather really backed himself into a corner with the Callahan business. Reading Larry Brooks this morning, it's almost become a no win for the Rangers. Teams are not making serious offers because they know if they truly want Callahan, they will just wait till summer and try to sign him. I guess they can always use the "we've decided to wait till the NHL trade deadline", if Slats can't broker a suitable deal by Friday. But, then he risks Callahan going to Sochi and chipping a tooth, or worse be injured in an NHL game between now and the deadline. I guess for Cally the worse that could happen is Sather takes a low ball deal this week and off he goes. If happens a lot of people are not going to be happy.
- OLDSCHOOL#6

Absolutely. It appears that everyone at the table is calling Sather's bluff.

i think the isles can offer him 8 year. it's whatever team the player is currently on that can go the full 8 years, i believe.
- rangerdanger94

Wonder if the Isles will acquire assets that can help today in an attempt to take a late run at the playoffs or just try to make the best deal possible.

they have to play a full season with you prior for it to be 8 year deal. was reading the rules this morning to confirm that. So cant trade for a rental and offer him 8 year max
- DDM-Coga

That makes me wonder if Callahan asking for 7 and not 8 isn't his version of a hometown discount...

Wonder if the Isles will acquire assets that can help today in an attempt to take a late run at the playoffs or just try to make the best deal possible.
- gkmkiller

i think they will accept the best available package, whether that's a young NHL roster player or a prospect a couple years away. any chance they have of a serious late run to the playoffs the rangers probably killed the last 2 games ( )

I wonder if the Rangers will look into and attempt to pursue tampering charges against Buffalo. Anyone reporting Buffalo is willing to meet Callahan's asking price is either making it up or they actually heard it directly or indirectly from a source within the Sabres organization. That report is undermining the Rangers bargaining position. Tampering is tough to prove and there is so much information leaked to the press by all sides that the team may elect to ignore it but I have to believe Slats is seething right now that word has come out about Buffalo.

That makes me wonder if Callahan asking for 7 and not 8 isn't his version of a hometown discount...
- Blueshirts4ever

No he's gotta play a full season...ba da bum!