The New York Rangers have acquired Martin St. Louis from the Tampa Bay Lightning for Ryan Callaan, a first round pick and a second round pick.
It is rare for teams to trade captains, especially with both being contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Tampa Bay general manager Steve Yzerman confirmed St. Louis had requested a trade, while Callahan is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
Tampa Bay appeared a contender this season with Steve Stamkos healthy. They actually have a better record than New York.
The first-round pick is in the 2015 NHL Draft and the conditional second-round selection is in 2014. The second-round pick becomes a first-rounder if the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Final this season. Also, if Callahan signs a new contract with the Lightning, the Rangers would receive Tampa Bay’s second-round pick in 2015 in exchange for New York’s seventh-round choice in 2015.
St. Louis’ trade request may have stemmed from initially being left off the Canadian Olympic hockey team by Yzerman. He eventually was selected to replace Stamkos.
