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Boomer: I'm Hearing Ryan Callahan For Martin St. Louis, Straight Up

NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Boomer Esiason has a stellar record when it comes to getting the hockey scoop -- the ending of the NHL lockout being Exhibit A.

So the former NFL quarterback and current WFAN co-host caused quite the stir when he teased some news about his beloved New York Rangers over the weekend.

Esiason gave clarity to what he's been hearing Monday morning on the "Boomer & Carton" show. He said there's a good shot Rangers captain Ryan Callahan will be traded in a straight-up deal for Martin St. Louis of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Booms On Cally, St. Louis

Boomer said the trade could include a conditional draft pick if Callahan, an impending free agent, decides to stay with Tampa Bay.

"Now the only reason this deal wouldn't go through is if somebody gets cold feet or somebody lowers their contract demands," Boomer said.

Callahan is reportedly seeking a seven-year deal worth $6.5-7 million annually from the Rangers. General manager Glen Sather hasn't budged from five years at around $6 million annually, according to the New York Post.

"I think the reality is that they have to get something for him," Boomer said. "And why not go out and get a bona fide goal-scorer, and somebody who maybe is at the end of his career, but somebody still who has a lot left in the tank."

St. Louis is signed through the 2014-15 season. The 38-year-old Lightning captain has 56 points (25 goals, 31 assists) on the season.

As far as Callahan goes, Boomer said he wouldn't back off the contract demands, either.

"Nobody appreciates, respects and likes and loves the fact that he's our captain," Boomer said. "How many times have I told you that?"

The Olympic roster freeze ended Monday, meaning teams can make trades between now and the March 5 deadline.

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