Ryan Callahan re-signed with the Lightning.
http://www.lohoud.com

The rumors became official for Ryan Callahan. Less than 24 hours after a report surfaced that the former Ranger was about to stay put with his new team, he re-signed with the Lightning agreeing to a six-year contract worth $34.8 million. It averages out to $5.8 million per season. Slightly less than he asked for here before Glen Sather dealt him for Martin St. Louis in the first ever ‘captain for captain’ deal.

As part of the contract, Callahan gets a full no-trade clause in the first four years with a limited one the final two. The 29-year old got security with a team that should compete moving forward. He posted six goals and five assists in the final 20 regular season games but was shutout in a first round sweep at the hands of the Canadiens.

“I couldn’t be happier to be part of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization for the next six years and I am excited for this new chapter of my career,” Callahan said. “Tampa Bay has been a great place to live and play from the day I got there. As soon as the season ended I knew it was a place I wanted to be.”

Similar to how quickly St. Louis was welcomed with open arms, Callahan was embraced by the Lightning. It isn’t a surprise that he decided to stay. From some of his previous quotes after joining them, you could tell he liked it there. The one thing he was able to get was that NTC. Something Sather balked at. Plus Callahan’s agent drove the price up. The amazing aspect is they had narrowed the gap and were that close. Instead, Slats rolled the dice trading the popular former captain and what amounted to two first round picks for St. Louis and a second. At least, it all worked out. The Rangers made their first Stanley Cup appearance in 20 years and Callahan decided to forgo unrestricted free agency allowing them to retrieve a second round pick.

As to whether he’s worth his new deal, that’s better left unsaid. What Callahan brings is the same gritty style that made him so popular in New York City. He’s a good fit for the Lightning, who boast a strong nucleus featuring Steven Stamkos, Valtteri Filppula, Teddy Purcell, Tyler Johnson, Ondej Palat, Alex Killorn, Victor Hedman, Matt Carle, Ben Bishop and soon 2013 first round pick Jonathan Drouin. If they’re able to improve defensively, the sky’s the limit.

Already I’ve seen our fans critique Callahan for taking less. However, Florida has no state income tax which means he basically got the same money. It’s easy to forget that the agent’s job is to ask for the moon. All part of negotiating tactics. Callahan was never getting the much rumored seven years, $49 million. The number was always gonna come down. Though I’d have been curious to see what the Sabres would’ve offered had he reached July 1.

If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s those fans who are complaining. Get over it. Callahan was a great Ranger who helped lead them to a Conference Final appearance. He had every right to get what he wanted. Sather told him no and went for it with St. Louis getting them within three wins of a Cup. There’s nothing to be upset about. Even if St. Louis decides to hang it up following 2014-15, it’ll open up room if they decide to re-sign Marc Staal. In my book, a big ‘if.’ Let’s see what happens with Anton Stralman.

Gaborik A Stanley King: In related news, Marian Gaborik re-upped with the Kings reaching agreement on a seven-year $34.125 million deal that pays him an average of $4.875 million per season.

For a player of Gaborik’s caliber, it’s a bargain. After coming over from the Blue Jackets, he led the postseason with 14 goals and totaled 22 points helping the Kings win a second Stanley Cup in three years. That included clutch tallies with his goals in the third periods of Game 7 versus Chicago, Games 2 and 5 versus the Rangers leading to LA overtime victories highlighted by Alec Martinez’ Cup clincher.

“I know I could get maybe more money if I would have gone to free agency, but it wasn’t about money,” Gaborik said. “I wanted to stay here and be part of a great team.”

“I knew right away: Great group of guys, great team, great fans, and obviously being in a great environment in terms of lifestyle and everything,” he added. “That made a lot of sense for me. The No. 1 thing is winning a Cup and having a chance year after year, going into these games and having a chance to win every game.”

At 32, Gaborik is in the perfect situation. He can play with one of the premier centers in Anze Kopitar and continue to compete for Cups. He no longer has to be the man. As evidenced this Spring, Gaborik went out and performed. Without him, LA doesn’t win another championship which coach Darryl Sutter alluded to. Obviously, the seven years is a long-term commitment for a player who’s been injury prone. However, he clearly looked the healthiest he’s been since ’11-12 when he led the Rangers in scoring with 41 goals and 76 points.

With the Kings also retaining defenseman Matt Greene and opting not to amnesty Mike Richards, they’re all in. The Stanley Cup champs will be heavy favorites to repeat.