"Brandon Dubinsky's arbitration hearing is set for Thursday, and a deal does not appear close. A source has told the Daily News that the sticking point is not money, but years on a new contract.

"(Dubinsky is) looking for a longer term," the source said.

Part of the Rangers' organization since he was drafted in the second round in 2004, Dubinsky has become one of the most important players on Broadway, beyond simply having led the Blueshirts with 24 goals and 30 assists this past season, both career highs. He is a key penalty killer, a skilled faceoff man and an emerging presence in the locker room with his fiery personality and willingness to speak his mind.

That frankness also applies to his contract negotiations, as Dubinsky said after the season, "I'd like to get it done as quickly as possible. I think the Rangers want me, and I want the Rangers. So at the end of the day, we may as well not waste each other's time."

They have only a little bit of time left before going to an arbitration hearing, where Dubinsky likely would emerge with a two-year contract."