NHL

Eminger signs with Rangers

The Rangers took care of the remaining piece of the back of the house yesterday in re-upping third-pair defenseman Steve Eminger for one year at $800,000.

This leaves only the contract of marquee winger Ryan Callahan unaccounted for as the Blueshirts and their alternate captain attempt to hammer out a multi-year contract that would preclude the necessity of Thursday’s scheduled arbitration hearing in Toronto.

The 26-year-old right wing is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July 1, so he is certain to command a higher salary and cap number than the $4.2 million per Brandon Dubinsky will earn over the next four seasons on the contract he gained last Thursday just before his scheduled hearing.

RANGERS SALARY CAP

Callahan, who recorded 48 points (23-25) in 60 games while establishing career highs in goals, assists and points, will likely come in somewhere between $4.5M and $4.75M on a multi-year deal, though he all but certainly would command more on the open market next July.

If the parties cannot agree on a long-term deal and Callahan goes through with the hearing for what would automatically be a one-year contract given his status as an impending free agent, he would likely get somewhere around $4.2 million.

Moreover, a one-year contract would likely eliminate Callahan from consideration to succeed Chris Drury as captain. If Callahan’s Broadway future is uncertain, Brad Richards would almost certainly get the “C.”

Eminger, a right-hand shot who was forced to play the left side most of last season, was a healthy scratch 16 times last year, finishing with six points (2-4) and a minus-five rating in 65 games. Coach John Tortorella did not dress the 27-year-old, eight-year NHL veteran, choosing Matt Gilroy’s offensive upside over Eminger’s physical play.

At the moment Eminger would seem to merit an incumbent’s edge for a third-pair spot, perhaps with Tim Erixon, perhaps with Michael Del Zotto, perhaps with a defenseman who will make an impact at camp.

larry.brooks@nypost.com