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Ryan Callahan’s contract negotiations not going anywhere fast

Florida Panthers v New York Rangers

NEW YORK - MARCH 22: Ryan Callahan #24 of the New York Rangers skates against the Florida Panthers on March 22, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Rangers defeated the Islanders 1-0. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

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So far this summer, the New York Rangers have been able to avoid going to court with most of their arbitration-eligible players. The Rangers settled up with Michael Sauer, Brian Boyle, and Brandon Dubinsky ahead of time so that an arbitrator didn’t have to settle things for them.

Going through that process can be one that puts a stress on both sides as teams can feel like one isn’t doing much for the other to help out for the greater good. The team can feel like the player is being greedy while the player can feel like the team is skimping out on paying him what he feels he’s owed.

When it comes down to these matters, settling on a deal ahead of time is preferred and it’s that gray area where the Rangers and Ryan Callahan are at now. Callahan and Rangers GM Glen Sather continue to negotiate on a deal and the two sides aren’t making progress.

Andrew Gross of Rangers Rants has the latest about the lack of movement in the negotiations.

Callahan’s agent, Steve Bartlett reported today there has not been much progress between the sides with the clock ticking towards Thursday. Essentially, Bartlett said he has submitted his proposal to the Rangers but added there has not been a lot of back and forth. The sides have exchanged briefs that are needed to prepare for an arbitration hearing. Bartlett said he he is “waiting for some response” regarding his proposal on a new deal for Callahan.

If you’re a Rangers fan and worried about how things are going, you’ve got until Thursday before Callahan’s hearing. Also remember that Brandon Dubinsky’s new four-year deal was agreed upon the morning he was due to head to court for his arbitration hearing. Instead, the Rangers locked him up for four years and $16.8 million.

Getting a deal done with Callahan is far more ideal for the Rangers’ future than potentially causing hurt feelings by going through to arbitration. The Rangers have just under $5 million in salary cap space and while it doesn’t seem likely that Callahan would get a deal that would push that limit to the brink, getting things done on their terms is in the Rangers’ best interests.