Dan Girardi's Future with New York Rangers Forgotten Behind Captain Ryan Callahan

By Cody Reiber
Adam Hunger – USA TODAY Sports

With all the ado about the future of New York Rangers captain Ryan Callahan, the future of another important Rangers player has been taking a backseat to the hysteria of the Callahan ordeal.

Rangers’ star defenseman Dan Girardi is also receiving some publicity about what his career holds next season or even just a week from now as we draw near the NHL trade deadline. Rumors have circulated that the Anaheim Ducks are interested in making a deal for Girardi, but with no information from sources close to either team, this seems less than likely.

The 29-year-old defenseman often gets outshone by other Rangers players, but this does not mean that he does not deserve the recognition and respect that is given to other Rangers stars. Girardi is one of the elite defenseman in the league, something the Rangers need as their offense does not always provide the best support for the defense.

Girardi also provides the Rangers with a big, physical defenseman who will be missed if traded. Not to mention the fact that Girardi has a big right-handed shot from the point, one of only two Rangers defensemen who are righties.

If the Rangers were to trade Girardi to the Ducks, it is most likely that they would not be given a defenseman in return — at least not one that is NHL ready, something that will severely hurt the Rangers’ playoff hopes this season.

One thing that could be attractive for the Rangers in a trade with Anaheim would be the first-round draft pick that the Ducks acquired from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for star Bobby Ryan, a pick that would be good for top 15 at this point in the season. However, this would still leave the Rangers with a hole in their defense so to speak this season.

If the Rangers are going to make it deep into the playoffs this season then they cannot afford to trade Girardi for anything less than a competent NHL defenseman to fill the gap to almost the same efficiency as Girardi. Anything less and the Rangers will struggle the rest of the season.

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