Dan Girardi and Ryan Callahan are on the trade block. It would be sad to see either go.
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O CAPTAIN! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up–for you the flag is flung–for you the bugle trills;      10
For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths–for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head;
It is some dream that on the deck,
You’ve fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;      20
Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.”-Walt Whitman

Those are the famous words of Walt Whitman in his memorable poem, “O Captain! My Captain!” Regrettably, it applies to Rangers captain Ryan Callahan. The popular leader of the Blueshirts is almost certainly going to be traded before next Wednesday’s March 5 trade deadline. A day following the crazy rumor that he could be headed to Tampa for Martin St. Louis, TSN’s Darren Dreger and Bob McKenzie all but confirmed that he’ll be gone.

With Callahan’s agent having priced his client out, it looks like the proverbial writing is on the wall. As much as I would hate to see him dealt, it appears Rangers Team President and General Manager Glen Sather has no choice. I’m still on the fence due to the team’s recent play. Once again, I’ll reiterate that this is the final time the core will be intact. Whatever happens with Callahan and Dan Girardi this summer, it’s probably the last time Garden Faithful will get to see them together with Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh and Marc Staal. Two years ago, they teamed with former core members Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky to make the team’s first Conference Finals appearance since ’97.

At 32-24-3 with 67 points, the Rangers rank second in the Metro Division. A point separates them from third place Philadelphia with each club having 23 games remaining. When they host the Blackhawks Thursday, they’ll be without leading scorer Mats Zuccarello. Fortunately, he isn’t expected to miss much time. However, if Callahan or Girardi are dealt the roster will dramatically altered. No matter what they get back for either, it won’t have the same look. There’s no guarantee they’ll be as successful. Of course, the Debbie downers could argue the flip side. Why keep them when there’s no guarantee they’ll re-sign? Here’s why.

Much has been made about the team’s future. In our opinion, too much. Do you really think someone is going to overpay for Callahan unless they can get him to agree to a new contract? The longer the process takes, the less of a return Sather can get. If Chris Stewart really is the best offer, I would pass. I’m still not buying into the St. Louis hype. Let’s see if it holds any merit after the weekend. The argument for keeping both Callahan and Girardi is that it gives the Blueshirts a chance to take their final shot with this group. Move either and they give up any realistic postseason hope. Even if they’re behind Pittsburgh, Boston and Tampa Bay, Lundqvist and a more balanced offense and team defense gives them a puncher’s chance.

Is it realistic? Of course not. The Rangers won’t be favorites. Maybe that’s for the best. Why not wait till Zuccarello comes back and see what they can do? Unless someone blows them away with a substantial offer, I’m of the belief that you don’t break it up. Is it a sacrifice of the future? Probably. What team who thinks they can contend trades away their captain mid-season? One as important as Callahan is to this team. While his role might not be the same under coach Alain Vigneault, don’t overlook the intangibles he brings. The same goes for Girardi, who’s the defensive version of the Ranger captain. Both will do whatever it takes to win. Whether it’s laying out to block a shot or making a key hit or defensive play, each is like a mirror image. They also can contribute offensively. Unless you’ve been living in a cave or hanging out with Mayor De Blasio.

Realistically, the Rangers will be able to re-sign one. Girardi seems like the safer bet. If he stays and Callahan goes, it will still be a sad day. When I think of Ryan Callahan, I think of a heart and soul player who will bleed for this team to win. He’s taken a fair share of criticism for contract demands. However, it’s his right to get what he can on the open market. Madison Square Garden wants us to forget how much he’s meant to the franchise. It’s only okay when they use him to sell merchandise and profit. But god forbid the man asks for the moon. The Rangers only overpay mercenaries unless you’re nicknamed the King.

Why shouldn’t he get what he wants? Or is that only allowed for David Clarkson and Ryane Clowe? Ranger fans aren’t used to seeing their own players leave for richer pastures. Mark Messier left once due to spite and greed. Nobody uttered a word. Callahan has always conducted himself as a consummate pro. He proved that after all the speculation he was playing in his final home game by scoring twice and setting up another to highlight a 5-1 win over Colorado. His reaction afterwards was all about the team. That’s who he is.

As fans, we never want to see our favorite players leave. If it happens, I don’t know about you. But this passionate fan blogger will shed tears.