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Report: Martin St. Louis is ‘locked on’ the Rangers

Martin St. Louis

A fan holds up a sign congratulatingTampa Bay Lightning right winger Martin St. Louis (26) for being selected to the Canadian Olympic hockey team before an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. St. Louis replaces teammate Steven Stamkos, who is still recovering from a broken leg. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

AP

A lot can change between today and next Wednesday’s trade deadline, but it sounds like Martin St. Louis isn’t just asking for a trade ... he’s being rather specific about the destination. TSN’s Darren Dreger reports that the Tampa Bay Lightning’s captain is currently “locked on” the New York Rangers.

There have already been rumors about the Lightning and Rangers discussing a captain-for-captain trade in swapping St. Louis with Ryan Callahan. There’s no word on whether that deal is still the foundation of such chatter, but it’s already been noted that St. Louis lives in nearby Connecticut.

The 38-year-old has a no-movement clause, so he can exercise some power in this situation, and might feel that much more justified in dictating where he goes after the controversies regarding being initially left off of Team Canada by Lightning GM Steve Yzerman.

St. Louis carries a $5,625 million cap hit that will expire after the 2014-15 season. If Callahan remains the big name the Bolts seek in return in a hypothetical trade, the Rangers would get an extra year of services, as it’s well-documented that Callahan’s deal is expiring after this season.

St. Louis has 56 points in 58 games in 2013-14 and topped all NHL players with 60 points in 48 games last season. The Lightning’s next game comes against the Nashville Predators on Thursday.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins