Oh Captain, My Captain

Yesterday, the New York Rangers, traded their captain, Ryan Callahan to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Martin St. Louis...

The last Rangers captain to be traded was Mark Messier (the rights for) in 2003 to the San Jose Sharks for a 4th Rd pick...That pick became...Ryan Callahan...Just an interesting fact for ya...

So, from what I've seen from most Rangers fans on twitter, and blogs, and what I've heard on NHL radio, they are happy about this trade...Yes, Martin St. Louis at 38 years old, still scores...He's always been a talented offensive player...Everyone keeps comparing their offensive numbers...

Well why is a little guy like ST. Louis able to keep scoring? Well, he plays little defense, while Callahan is a defensive thorn in people's sides...Callahan, checks...Finishes every check...Drives star players crazy, by running them into the boards...Callahan blocks shots...He blocks them with precision...Like it's a fucking art form...And if he has to, he'll drop the gloves...

St. Louis has always shied away from these parts of the game...But the constant talk is about scoring...Well people, there is a lot more to Hockey then just scoring...

But for me it's not just about the difference between the two players...Lets look at the trade...

St. Louis wanted out of Tampa Bay because his feelings were hurt, because Lightning GM Steve Yzerman who was the GM for team Canada, didn't pick St. Louis for the Olympic team...(St. Louis did go, as he took injured teammate, Steven Stamkos' spot) Then St. Louis said the only team he wanted to go to was the Rangers...Wanting to reunite with old teammate, and fellow old man, Brad Richards...

So why the hell did Rangers (overrated) GM Glen Sather give up so much for a 38 year old guy with another year on his contract? So much you ask? Besides Callahan, who is ten years younger, Sather gave up a 1st round and a 2nd round draft pick...If Callahan resigns with Tampa Bay, that 2nd round pick becomes a first...

What the fuck!?! St. Louis is a 38 year old with hurt feeling only willing to go to your team...Why give up the two high picks along with your Captain? Yzerman doesn't like, tell him to go screw...San Jose was interested in Callahan...Talk to them...Tell Yzerman San Jose is giving more, or asking for less, or both...These GM's always say it's a business...Well treat that way...Too bad is Yzerman is stuck with a 38 year old who is sad, and only plays one part of the game...Not your problem!

And why were the Rangers shopping Callahan? They couldn't reach a contract extension with him and his agent...Everyone says he was asking for too much...Why were they saying this? Because all they look at is scoring...Not the everything else that is just as important...And maybe it was bit high...In the end, the talk was 6 years, near $6 million a year...But the thing that killed the deal for Sather was Callahan wanting a no trade clause...Really? The captain of your team wants to finish his career with you and that's no good...People say players should give the team a "hometown discount," that they should show that loyalty...Why the fuck shouldn't the team show it as well!?!

As a lifelong Rangers fan, I hate this trade...As a Callahan fan, I hate this trade...As some one who tries to use common sense, I think Sather should be fired for getting raped by Yzerman, who St. Louis painted in a corner...

Long term, the Rangers lose big time...Short term, the Rangers lose...St. Louis may add offense, but makes them softer, and takes a away a key defensive asset...And in the Spring, he turns 39 when the Rangers will be trying to make huge playoff run...I recall Brad Richards (33) looking old and out of gas last year in the playoffs...So out of gas, he was scratched for the last 3 games...

Martin St. Louis is not the missing link who will save the Rangers and take them to a Cup...But those high draft picks could have been, skating beside Callahan...

You won't see that 38 year old doing all of this...





Best of luck Captain Cally...Tampa Bay is going to love you!

The Beeze