NHL Trade Rumors: Rangers & Bruins Linked To Blockbuster Deal

Boston Bruins center Casey Mittelstadt celebrates after goal during 2025 game.

As both the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins prepare for aggressive offseason retools, a new trade scenario has emerged — one that could send Bruins center Casey Mittelstadt to Broadway in exchange for veteran star Mika Zibanejad.

The rumored swap, first floated through media speculation and gaining traction among insiders, suggests the Rangers may be open to dealing Zibanejad as they look to shake up a core that has failed to deliver playoff success.

Boston, meanwhile, continues its search for a true No. 1 center following the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Despite giving Mittelstadt an extended audition in that role, questions about his defensive reliability and system fit remain — particularly after a rough showing down the stretch.

Bruins Could Target Zibanejad to Anchor Top Line

Zibanejad, 32, still carries top-line credentials and could immediately step into a leadership role centering David Pastrnak. He’s under contract through 2030 at $8.5 million annually, and his 62 points in 82 games this season suggest he still has gas left in the tank. For Boston, acquiring Zibanejad — especially alongside a second-round pick — would address their biggest need without surrendering any top draft assets, making the deal especially appealing.

Don Sweeney Trade Recap…an absolute steal to lose Coyle’s contract while adding a young center, the USHL player of the year Will Zellers & a 2nd…what an absolute haul

To #NHLBruins:

Casey Mittelstadt
Will Zellers
2025 2nd Round Pick

To COL:
Charlie Coyle
2026 5th Round Pick pic.twitter.com/0jnz8jn8AF
— Michael Sullivan (@_MikeSullivan) May 4, 2025

Mittelstadt Fits Rangers’ Depth and Cap Strategy

From the Rangers’ side, Mittelstadt is a younger, cheaper option (two years left at $5.75M AAV) who could slot in as a third-line center with offensive upside. He notched 40 points this season and has shown flashes of high-end playmaking, though he's still working to gain defensive trust in Boston’s system. With Chris Drury reportedly shopping Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, and Chris Kreider, a trade for Mittelstadt could help jumpstart a broader retool while shedding long-term salary.