Bad news for New York Rangers fans: Marc Staal's contract situation doesn't seem like it's headed for an amicable resolution anytime soon.
In fact, it's being reported by the New York Post that things are headed in the exact direction that Staal's camp didn't want them to go.
The Post is reporting that there has been "no progress whatsoever" in contract extension talks and that there have, in fact, been "no meaningful talks for weeks between management and the 27-year-old defenseman's camp."
General manager Glen Sather, who went through a similar situation last offseason with both Dan Girardi and Ryan Callahan, has said that he would rather trade a player than allow them to walk in free agency.
Girardi wound up resigning for $33 million over six years and Callahan was shipped to Tampa Bay, along with two first round draft picks for Martin St. Louis.
Staal has not tried to pretend that his contract isn't affecting him.
"You can say all you want that it's not on your mind and it's not a distraction, but it's something that has to weigh on you," the alternate captain said on March 8. "For me, the contract situation is definitely something I would like to take care of over the summer.
"That's the goal, but that has to be the way management looks at it, too, in order to get it done."
Staal is reportedly seeking at least $6 million per year on a six or seven year deal, a pact that he would almost assuredly be able to get were he to enter unrestricted free agency after the season.
The Rangers meanwhile are said to be offering a deal that exactly mirrors the one they gave Girardi, who is two years older than Staal, last season.
After Callahan was traded last season, Staal told the Post that he had no desire to go through a similar scenario.
And yet here we are.
