Now that the Olympics have concluded, the NHL has resumed activity. In fact, Carolina at Buffalo are the only game tonight on the schedule. More than the playoff race is on the line the final month and a half. The Sabres are one of many teams trying to determine if they should make a move at next Wednesday’s March 5 trade deadline. For Buffalo, it’s simple. Either find a taker for Ryan Miller or try re-signing him. If they unload Miller, then they’ll have to determine who their future goalie will be. Not exactly an easy task for a rebuilding club.

For the Rangers, it’s different. Currently second in the Metropolitan Division a point ahead of the Flyers, they find themselves in the Eastern Conference’s top six. One slip up and that could change. It’s what GM Glen Sather and the organization faces with Ryan Callahan and Dan Girardi that poses the most difficult question. According to Bob McKenzie, they’re not any closer to re-signing either potential unrestricted free agent. While rumors remain rampant that their captain Callahan could be on the way out, Girardi is also seeking a long-term deal that could pay him an average of $5.5 million over six years. It’s not exactly the easiest situation.

Trading either probably would damage the club’s postseason chances. Even if for argument’s sake they won’t be able to get anything in return, this is likely the final time this core will be together. Why not ride it out? Sure. It’s easier to conclude the Rangers aren’t in the class of Boston or Pittsburgh because they’re not. Once Tampa Bay gets Steven Stamkos back, they’re in the mix. That’s why the Martin St. Louis rumors WFAN’s Boomer Esiason leaked out on Twitter are shocking. Would the Lightning really consider trading a former Hart winner who’s still at the top of the game for Callahan? In no way shape or form is the Ranger captain in the same category as St. Louis. Even a general fan can conclude that. Only signed for one more year at a reasonable cap hit ($5.625 million), why wouldn’t Tampa GM Steve Yzerman keep him for a Cup run? Unless he’s still bitter about originally being passed on for Team Canada before replacing Stamkos.

This is the most challenging time for NHL GM’s. Just imagine being Devils architect Lou Lamoriello, who might ask Martin Brodeur to waive his no-trade clause. I can’t imagine him on another roster. It wouldn’t look right. It would be like Yzerman or Mario Lemieux in a different jersey. Some things just shouldn’t happen. It would be just as strange to see Callahan trading in his ‘C’ as a rental. That’s the unfortunate nature of the business.