Ryan Callahan has been the heart and soul of the Rangers. He deserves to stay.
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Following last night’s 6-3 defeat to the Bruins, here came the blame game. If it weren’t so predictable, it would be shocking. Especially when it comes to a split Rangers fan base on whether to keep Ryan Callahan or trade him by Wednesday’s deadline. I’m here to tell you why I would keep him.

Regardless of whether he re-signs, trading the captain makes no sense. What exactly are the short term gains? Risking dropping out of a tight Eastern race without getting close to equal value. For better or worse, Glen Sather owes it to this team to keep them together. It doesn’t mean he has to get a new deal done like he did with Dan Girardi. As I echoed before, Callahan is allowed to test free agency. He has earned it. The soon to be 29-year old from Rochester, New York embodies what the Rangers are. That’s why it’s preposterous to label him just a third liner. I believe the captain deserves a lot more respect than he’s getting. All due to leaks from MSG looking to get people on their side.

Callahan is the same player who’s bled Ranger red, white and blue since being taken in the fourth round of the ’04 Draft. That’s 127th overall for those keeping score at home. Ironically, Sunday’s loss was his 450th career game. All he’s done in that time is been a consistent performer. While he’ll never be confused with some of the other names being tossed around due to the rumored $6 million over six years he might take to stay, Callahan is more than silly statistics. This isn’t about defining his role. Ever since he cracked the lineup, he’s done whatever it took to help them win games. Whether it’s delivering a big hit, laying out to block a shot or scoring a clutch goal like last year’s overtime playoff clincher at Florida that some have forgotten, Callahan has led by example. That’s what you expect from a guy who can be trusted in any situation.

It’s why like Girardi, he should be a special exception. Hockey players aren’t always defined by how many goals they score. Throughout a seven-year career all spent on Broadway, Callahan’s scored 20 or better three times including 29 in ’11-12. That team finished with the East’s best record and advanced to the franchise’s only Conference Final since ’97. Due to his bruising style, he’s played hurt and missed significant time. That speaks to the kind of character player he is. I get the rationale of people who say don’t give him the money. It’s the same one Sather risked when he rewarded Girardi with a six-year $33 million contract that pays him an average of $5.5 million through 2020. Sometimes, it’s justified. Given the core and who exactly can fill Callahan’s big skates, I say keep him. You don’t easily replace all the leadership and intangibles he gives you.

Don’t tell that to the growing legion of Callahan detractors. These are probably the same fans who thought overpaying Brad Richards guaranteed a Cup. The thing about our fans is they can flip flop in a split second. I’ll admit to being a heavy critic at times. However, it’s important not to lose perspective. Trade Callahan and they might not just lose this season. See Mark Messier. Currently, he makes $4.275 million in the final year. Not exactly chunk change. Potential unrestricted free agents always will command more once July 1 hits. Look no further than what Ryane Clowe ($4.75 million) got from the Devils and David Clarkson ($5.25 million) from Toronto. Both are solid players. Neither is comparable to what Callahan means to his current team.

I also seem to recall our fans praising Sather for signing Chris Drury. Callahan is a similar type player except he’s more physical and homegrown. Why must our GM always pay top dollar for other team’s players? Isn’t it about time he did the same for his own? Henrik Lundqvist is overpaid but no one is complaining because Sather had to do it. In no way am I comparing Callahan to the franchise goalie who is among the elite. However, the point is about their value. Like it or not, Callahan is a lot more valuable to the Rangers. Unless they have some alternate plan, it’s not advisable to let him go.

In what’s the 20-Year Cup Anniversary, the Rangers currently sit third in the Metropolitan Division a point behind the Flyers with exactly 20 games left. If the season ended today, they’d be seventh with 69 points. Toronto and Detroit would be the two wildcards while the Caps would miss with 68. When Sather went out and acquired Rick Nash, it was because the bar had been raised. Following last Spring’s second round ouster to Boston, he replaced John Tortorella with Alain Vigneault. Given the way Vigneault has answered questions regarding his captain’s status, doesn’t Slats owe it to his first-year coach to give him the same opportunity Tortorella had? If he gives in either tomorrow or Wednesday, then you have to question what exactly the goal is. To contend or not. Lundqvist turned 32 yesterday. He’s not getting any younger. You don’t rebuild with a number one goalie who only has a few peak years left.

The decision on Callahan is the most important move Sather will make. He can either keep the current roster and play it out. Or he can risk it all by trading the team’s biggest leader, which could have a long-term impact. Mats Zuccarello will return soon. If you give up, then what’s the point of playing the rest of the schedule? It’s all on Sather.