NY Rangers: Will Ryan Callahan end up with a similar contract to Brandon Dubinsky's?

The New York Rangers have until tomorrow to re-sign right-winger, Ryan Callahan or else he will enter salary-arbitration. Callahan, 26, and the Rangers have not made any strides in recent contract talks, according to reports, which suggests that the probable future captain will likely need arbitration to spark a deal.

Earlier this week, the NY Post reported that the Rangers would ask for a one-year contract if they reach arbitration, and that Callahan would not be given captaincy if he is awarded the one-year deal--which, in my opinion, would be total BS as Callahan has all the right qualities to wear the "C" on his jersey.

Last season, Callahan recorded 23 goals and 25 assists in only 60 games played, and he amassed 46 penalty minutes. Callahan's 23 goals were good enough for second best on the team behind Brandon Dubinsky--who signed a four-year deal worth $16.8million last week--and his 48 points tied for second best on the club behind Dubinsky as well.

Due to a broken-leg, which was the result of a Zdeno Chara shot-block, Callahan was forced to miss the Rangers five-game playoff run. Callahan is an important part of the Rangers' organization and future, and he will definitely be back on at least a one-year deal--hopefully more.

Callahan's high-energy playing style was adopted by most of last year's club, which made the Rangers a tough team to play against. Newly signed Blueshirt, Brad Richards told reporters that the Rangers were "the toughest team" he played against last season, and forward Mike Rupp--who signed a three-year deal with the team on July 1--said that he "loves" Callahan's playing-style.

During his career, Callahan has scored 20 goals twice, and he has reached 40 points twice as well.

If Callahan and the Rangers do end up in arbitration, Dubinsky's contract, as mentioned above, may be used as a comparison, as both players have equal skill and playing-styles.

Drew Staffords four-year, $16million deal with the Buffalo Sabres may also be used as a comparison.

I truly enjoy watching Ranger fan's try to compare Dubinsky and Callahan, and attempt to figure out which player is better. Last season, Dubinsky registered six more points than Callahan, but played in 17 more games. Both players have great chemistry together, and both players are the heart and soul of the club. They can both score goals and kill penalties, and both players are key parts to the Rangers franchise moving forward.

Callahan should receive a similar contract to the one Dubinsky signed last week. There are rumors that Callahan and the Rangers may be discussing a six- or seven-year deal in which he will make $5million per-year; but I think he will sign a four- or five-year contract worth between $4-4.7million a year. Unless they reach arbitration, of course.

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