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Ex-Ranger Ryan Callahan’s career likely over due to degenerative back disease

Ex-Rangers fan favorite and current Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Callahan’s NHL career is coming to a close.

Lightning GM Julien BriseBois told media Thursday that Callahan was recently diagnosed with degenerative disk disease of the lumbar spine.

It was recommended that Callahan “no longer play professional hockey,” according to Lightning reporter Caley Chelios

“He’s such a proud competitor such a fierce competitor,” BriseBois said. “I know he was planning to not only play out this contract, but sign another contract after that. We had multiple conversations in the second half of the season about his future so that was very sad news for him.