Blockbuster Trade Completed Between The Rangers And Lightning: A Player Close Has Finally Spoken Out

Derek Stepan would be interviewed by Jonny Lazerus and would recount the trade that sent his friend, and former CaptainRyan Callahan to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The deal would be a one-for-one swap, in which the Rangers see Marty St. Louis suit up as a Blueshirt.

For St. Louis, a former Stanley Cup champion, this would mark the beginning of the end. He'd finish out his career a year later in New York after playing a total of 93 games in a Rangers uniform.

That short period didn't stop him from becoming one of Stepan's favorite linemates, who was excited about what St. Louis could do on the ice.

For Stepan, Callahan was a big part of the New York Rangers group. And ironically, if we look forward to today, we see that Captains often aren't free of being moved despite having a role in leadership.

Take Jacob Trouba, for example.

But Stepan noted the huge loss in Callahan, which Tampa Bay would take advantage of his skill, and see him finish out his career in a Lightning sweater.

Callahan's career would end after the 2018-19 season. He'd play six years there with a total of 307 games and 132 points (54-78) scored.

The Rangers would lose a Captain, but would gain an offensive weapon in St. Louis.