Former Rangers captain Ryan Callahan joined Mike Francesa on WFAN earlier this afternoon:
- Mike: "When I was away the trade went down and Ryan Callahan left, the very popular Ranger who really has...this is a guy who overcomes things that people thought he couldn't do and becomes a star with his toughness and gritty play and now he joins us to say hello, Mike Francesa on the Fan, who are ?"
- How are you feeling about things, "at first there was that inital shock and moving to another team but now that I am here in Tampa the organization has been great in welcoming me, the team and after a couple of games under my belt I am really happy here."
- Any bad feelings or things he would do different, "no, I don't think so. We knew this was a possibility if both sides didn't agree and at the end of the day we couldn't find something that both sides liked. We knew that this could happen and I have no bad feelings towards the Rangers organization or people there, it's an unfortunate part of the business and you have to move on now."
- Were you surprised or expecting it at the end, "no, I was surprised. I knew that there was that chance, we were talking the last couple of days and I really felt that something would get done but at the end of the day we couldn't find something mutual and the Rangers had to move on."
- Are you expecting to sign a deal in Tampa or play things out, "I am coming into this with an open mind and like I said the team has been great to me and they said you get used to us, we will get used to you and we could talk at a later date. I'm just worried about right now and trying to play and it's kind of like a breath or fresh air with the trade talks and contract talks being all done now. Just to get a chance to play and help this organization compete."
- How have you fit in with TB, "it's been good, it's a talented group, good goaltending. We struggled a bit here with our start but we are in the playoff hunt and it will be close coming down and it's an exciting group to play with."
- What did you think of the Rangers this year, "I thought we had a good chance to do something special. We started off the year kind of tough and we started to find our stride there as of late and it's so tight in the east that we were in that playoff battle. I was excited about going on a run with them but things change and now I am doing it with Tampa."
- What will you remember most about your time with the Rangers, "there is a lot of things, I spent almost 8 years there. Playing at the Garden, the fans are unbelievable. How they treated me and accepted me. The big thing is the friends I have made, the life long friends in the organization and teammates that I have played with. There are a lot of good memories in New York and something that I will miss."
- Was it tough on your family when it happened, "It is tough. I have a young daughter and another one on the way and it's hard on the family but my wife has been great and stayed in NY for a couple of days to get things organized there and just got in to Tampa yesterday. The family is good and Tampa and the Rangers have helped with the move and I couldn't ask for any more from either side."
- Was it tough during the negotiation time, "it was tough, it's hard and something that wore on you and thought about but when I got to the rink I tried to push it aside and just think about playing and I think I did a good job with that and to the best of my ability put it in the back of my head when I was at the rink because I had a job to do."
- On being under AV vs Torts, "the philosophy and coaching style has changed, everyone has seen that, a little bit more offensively minded game and like I said we had a tough start and that was an adjustment getting used to everyone and the new coaches and new system and as of late before I got traded I felt that the past couple of months we were playing good hockey."
- Did you think, because of your role, you would be staying here, "I wanted to stay there and thought I was going to, the whole time in my head I never thought of being traded or leaving as a free agent. My goal was to get something done with NY and unfortunately this is part of the business that is not fun and we couldn't find anything that both sides could agree upon and so this is where it ends up."
- Did you ever think you were close enough to get something done, "I was optimistic right on through, I know that this is the way that negotiations go and there will be differences in opinions and numbers but as I said, I truly felt that something was going to get done and I was trying to get something done."
- Â Do you think this Rangers team has a good shot this year, "Yea, I don't see why not. Like I said they are a good team and having Hank in net and when you have goaltending you have a shot. They are right there in the playoffs and anyone who is right there has a good shot."
- How long will it take to get acclimated, "a little bit. That first game is a little strange, putting on the new sweater and new locker room but the last game was my third game here and I was more comfortable and started to play the way that I have to to be successful and I am excited about my journey in Tampa."
- On hockey in Tampa/Florida, "they have passionate fans here and like you said there is a stigma that comes with hockey and Florida but coming here and playing my first couple of games here and visiting with the Rangers it's a passionate fan base and an exciting group to play in front of."
- Is the contract still on your mind because it's unresolved, "I think at this point I am happy that the rumors and negotiation are behind me and that I can focus on playing, that is what I am focusing on now. Making the playoffs and seeing what happens after that."
Tags: Ryan Callahan, Adam Rotter
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