Ryan Callahan (seen here celebrating last year’s playoff clincher) is one of many players GM Glen Sather must decide on soon.

Ryan Callahan is the heart and soul of the Rangers. Ever since he put on a Blueshirt jersey, the gritty 28-year old captain has been an integral part of the team. Drafted in the fourth round of the ’04 Draft, the Rochester, New York native is the classic overachiever who will do anything to help his team win. It’s no wonder he’s a fan favorite. Whether it’s scoring a big goal like in an overtime win over the Panthers that clinched the playoffs a year ago or going full out to block a shot, his effort can never be questioned.

That’s why the Rangers are facing a tough decision with Callahan. In the final year of a contract that pays him $4.875 million or an average cap hit of $4.3 million, he can become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Given the kind of player he is combined with a market that saw the Leafs overpay David Clarkson and the Devils do the same with Ryane Clowe, he should command at least six years and an average of six million per season. For a franchise that just extended Henrik Lundqvist to a record seven-year extension worth $59.5 million ($8.5 million cap hit), it’s a lot to digest. Not only must general manager Glen Sather decide the fate of Callahan but also defenseman Dan Girardi, who also should be in the same price range. He currently makes $3.4 million and will turn 30. What Callahan brings up front is virtually identical to what Girardi brings to the back end. A smart defensive blueliner who never hesitates to sacrifice for the team concept, he will get a big payday. It remains to be seen if it’ll be here or somewhere else.

One advantage Sather has is the cap is increasing which will allow for more room. However, he also must decide on underrated second pair defenseman Anton Stralman. A cheaper alternative who makes under $2 million, the Swedish Olympic snub will turn 28 on August 1. Once a player capable of contributing offensively, he’s evolved into a poor man’s Girardi, who the coaching staff trusts enough to play big minutes. While Girardi and Ryan McDonagh receive all the press along with Stralman’s partner Marc Staal, he’s been one of Sather’s best signings. After spending time in Toronto and Columbus, nobody wanted him. It was during the ’11-12 season when the Rangers needed a defenseman. So, Slats quietly added Stralman. Thought to be a bottom pair D capable of contributing on the power play, he became a better defensive player under John Tortorella and Mike Sullivan. In fact, you can make the argument that he was their most consistent defenseman during a run to the Conference Finals. He had three goals and three assists with two power play goals, four power play points in 20 postseason games. Staal was superb too. He can become unrestricted in the summer of 2015.

Part of Sather’s reasoning for finally dealing former first round pick Mike Del Zotto to Nashville for Kevin Klein was he liked adding the more defensive oriented vet’s contract. The 29-year old former Predator won’t add much offense but plays a more physical style which should suit coach Alain Vigneault, who wasn’t too fond of Del Zotto. With Klein locked into a four-year deal that pays him an average cap hit of $2.9 million through 2016-17, he’s got three more years left. He’s also a right D which also was a team need. Something Slats cited since the loss of Mike Sauer. Klein is being viewed as insurance in case Girardi leaves. However, let’s not mistake him for Danny G. Having another defenseman who earns less than $3 million is good. There’s little doubt that Del Zotto will likely get more this summer as a Group II. He makes $2.9 million. With it apparent that he needed a change of scenery, getting out of the Big Apple was best for his career. Already he’s played better and received praise from Barry Trotz. It was a trade that had to be made.

What complicates the summer for Sather is he must also make decisions on Brian Boyle, Dan Carcillo, Dominic Moore and Benoit Pouliot. All of which have been key factors in the club’s turnaround. Having a good team isn’t just about your top players but rather your supporting cast. Under Tortorella, the Rangers didn’t have much of a fourth line. Especially in the shortened 2013 after Ruslan Fedotenko, John Mitchell and Brandon Prust bolted. Depth was an issue. However, that’s been fixed by Sather, who subtracted Taylor Pyatt while Arron Asham is in Hartford. He added Carcillo after Derek Dorsett went down. The former Flyers’ pest has been so effective, there might not be a spot for Dorsett if he returns. With all four lines in sync including a resurgent Pouliot meshing well with Derick Brassard and Mats Zuccarello, the make up of this team is finally likable. The emergence of the fourth line has allowed the organization to be more patient with J.T. Miller and Jesper Fast. That’s best for their development.

Currently second in the Metro with 61 points, they’re far from out of the woods. Three points separates the Rangers from the Blue Jackets (3rd) and Flyers. The Hurricanes and Devils each have 57 while the struggling Caps have 56. The Islanders are 0-3-1 over their last four and have 50. They need tonight’s MSG rematch in the worst way. Given how our team is playing, you can’t tell me Toronto or Montreal are better. Neither can you convince me that an injury riddled Detroit is. I don’t think the Flyers are as good a team and Columbus and Carolina are just a cut below. The Devils probably don’t have enough offense. You can make the argument that if the playoffs started today, the Rangers are the fourth best team. Of course, there’s a big gap between the Pens and Bruins with the Lightning right behind. Those three have separated themselves from the pack. After that, it’s anyone’s guess. Why not us? The dilemma for Sather is what if Darren Dreger is right about Callahan. If he’s really seeking a seven-year contract in the neighborhood of $49 million, that’s too rich for the Rangers. But would they seriously consider trading their captain?

I’ve always liked Chris Stewart. He’s a similar type player to Callahan. He already makes over $4 million and is only signed through ’14-15. Is that really worth considering? Unless teams are going to sweeten the pot with an A level prospect and first or second round pick. I pass. The enormity of such a deal would break a lot of New York hearts. Call me a sucker. But I say ride it out. As for the summer, Sather also has to re-sign Brassard which probably means amnestying Brad Richards. Amazingly enough, he remains their leading scorer. Chris Kreider and Zuccarello are restricted and will get raises. With the Olympic break approaching, the trade deadline isn’t until March 5. What that day could bring I would rather not think about.