Dustin Brown’s extension could impact Ryan Callahan. Getty Images

So much for the NHL schedule being released. While the league keeps us in suspense, the Kings made a splash by signing captain Dustin Brown to an eight year extension worth $47 million that keeps him in Hollywood through 2021-22. The new deal won’t kick in until 2014-15. He has a year left on his original contract and will earn $3.5 million.

Brown’s new contract will pay him an average cap hit of $5.875 million per season. Selected by the Kings in the infamous ’03 Draft 13th overall, the 28-year old forward from Ithaca, New York has developed into one of the NHL’s best leaders. His hard nosed approach is similar in stature to Ranger captain Ryan Callahan. Callahan was drafted in the fourth round 127th overall by the Rangers in ’04. Both have represented our country at the Olympics, teaming up at Vancouver in 2010 for Team USA’s silver medal. Each only knows one way to play. All out. They’re frequently among the league leaders in hits with Brown reaching 300 in ’10-11 while Callahan’s best (285) came in ’09-10.

They’re looked at by teammates to score important goals and put together inspirational shifts. In many aspects, they’re mirror images of each other. The only difference being Brown has done it longer producing 181 goals and 207 assists for 388 points in 641 career NHL games. He debuted the same year he was drafted appearing in 31 games before playing in the AHL during the ’04-05 lockout. Callahan took a different route staying in juniors with Guelph (OHL) for two years and then dominating with Hartford in ’06-07 before being recalled by the Rangers- getting into 14 games and 10 postseason contests. Oddly enough, he struggled in his first full season similar to Chris Kreider getting sent down before returning a more mature player. He was 23 and hasn’t looked back since.

Brown scored over 30 goals once notching 33 in ’07-08 and 60 points. Both career bests. He’s posted five seasons of 50 points or better. He’s not judged on stats. But on effort. A quality Callahan brings to the rink. The 28-year old Rochester native posted career bests in goals (29), points (54), power play goals (13) and game-winners (9) in ’11-12. His first season as captain, the Rangers won the Atlantic Division and had the best record in the Eastern Conference reaching the Conference Finals. He’s scored over 20 goals three times and tallied at least 40 points in three seasons. He’ll earn $4.275 million in the final year of his contract.

What does it all mean? If you’re a tough critic, Callahan is overpaid. Brown is making less and has already led his team to a Cup. Of course, it can’t be judged so plainly. Los Angeles boasts a better roster that includes a legitimate top center in Anze Kopitar with Jeff Carter and Mike Richards as their second and third with Jarrett Stoll fourth on the depth chart. The Rangers aren’t as strong with Derek Stepan the number one pivot out of necessity. Unless Brad Richards has a bounce back season and Derrick Brassard proves he can be consistent over 82, there’s no comparison. Adding Dom Moore to Brian Boyle was a smart move that provides flexibility. Drew Doughty and Slava Voynov provide two big weapons on the blueline that the Rangers lack. A true power play quarterback. At least Ryan McDonagh is signed long-term.

The Kings have a comparable to Henrik Lundqvist in former Conn Smythe winner Jon Quick. The younger goalie makes $5.8 million annually through 2019-20. Lundqvist already makes $6.875 million and will command the richest contract for a backstop next year. With the former Vezina winner top priority, Callahan falls in line with Dan Girardi, who’s also unrestricted in 2014. He makes $3.325 million and could command almost double based on market value. The scary aspect is Callahan probably will become a $6 million a year player. Essentially, the Kings locked up Brown for the rest of his career. Do the Rangers want to take a similar risk with their captain? Don’t forget he’s smaller. At 5-11, 190 pounds, Callahan’s the most physical player on the roster. That in itself is worrisome. How many more injuries can he play through before it takes a toll? On a team that doesn’t have much scoring to begin with, they need him to focus more offensively. Outside of Rick Nash, there aren’t any other 30-goal scorers on the current roster. Callahan isn’t expected to start the season. Neither is Carl Hagelin.

The importance of Kreider and Stepan’s former Team USA linemate Danny Kristo can’t be understated. While Kreider should be a lock as a top nine forward, Kristo must prove he’s ready for primetime. That’s why Ranger GM Glen Sather traded for him. They’re banking on the kids to step up. A list that includes J.T. Miller, Oscar Lindberg, Marek Hrivik and Jesper Fast. With new hire Alain Vigneault brought in to win now, it’s not just about now but the future.

Callahan will get his new contract and hopefully remain a Ranger for the rest of his career. Let’s just hope it’s not as long as Brown’s. He might have to take less if they’re to keep Girardi, who could become a trade candidate. Nothing is guaranteed. Only Lundqvist and Nash are untouchables. Six years between $34 to $36 million is fair for Captain Cally. He’s always been a team player.