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.
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.