What’s the Deal With Dan Girardi: Negotiations Continue

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Ryan Callahan and Dan Girardi both seek long term deals (Getty Images)

Seemingly lost in the mass hysteria of the Ryan Callahan trade scenarios is the status of Dan Girardi, the Rangers 29 year-old right-handed defenseman.  Rumors have been scattered on both ends of the spectrum, as is par for the course for this time of year in the NHL.

Larry Brooks from the New York Post reports the two sides are working towards a deal with nothing imminent:

 

Katie Strang of ESPN New York seems to agree with Brooksie’s take:

It would certainly behoove the Rangers to sign Girardi and sign him now.  He’s reportedly looking for a six-year deal worth $5.5 million AAV, right in line with what would be considered market value for a player of his caliber. Although signing Girardi remains the priority, it’s interesting to take a look at the other side of the coin, according to The Fourth Period Magazine:

The Ducks have shown serious interest in New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi, multiple sources have told TFP, and trade talks between the two clubs are expected to pick up steam.

Girardi almost certainly would pull in a good haul for the Rangers, even as a rental for a potential Stanley Cup contender.  He consistently logs over 20 minutes a night on the ice, most of which are against top forwards, and is a key component of a very strong Rangers penalty kill, currently ranked 10th overall in the NHL. A Callahan trade not withstanding, if Glen Sather can sign Girardi, it would be nothing short of an incredible job.  Being able to sign Henrik Lundqvist as well as Girardi, and potentially grabbing a good return (St.Louis?) for Ryan Callahan would set the Rangers up for a good run in the playoffs as we enter the final quarter of the regular season. According to Sean Hartnett of WFAN, Dan Girardi is hopeful to sign an extension within the next few days.

Signing Dan Girardi should remain a priority for Glen Sather. Losing a right handed defenseman who plays on the top pairing would impact the Rangers this season and for the years to come. Most importantly, trading both Callahan and Girardi would gut the team of 2 core pieces of the current leadership group. The impact that could have would be immeasurable and debilitate the team for years.

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