Rangers & Zibanejad May Have Made Up Decision On Future

The New York Rangers have gone through some big changes over the past year and it has definitely been very interesting since the team won the Presidents' Trophy in 2023-24. The most recent move involved trading Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks. Kreider was in trade rumors for a long time. The next player on his way out could very well be Mika Zibanejad.

According to Arthur Staple, the Rangers and Zibanejad's camp may have already decided that "moving on would be best." Since Zibanejad appears to be part of the decision to find a new home, it will make things much easier for the Rangers who had no leverage. The veteran has a full no movement clause that he seems to be willing to waive to go somewhere else. Any team won't likely do, but there has to be a handful of teams who will be playoff-bound that Zibanejad wouldn't mind playing for.

Zibanejad has five more years left on his contract with a cap hit of $8.5 million AAV. That is a lot for a team to take on, but the right-handed center can put up points. His was a poor +/- this season, but that was a big outlier as he hasn't had a minus rating since 2018-19 and has received some Selke Trophy votes in four of the previous five seasons.

This was Zibanejad's lowest point total since 2017-18, but he still scored 20 goals and recorded 62 points. He is great on the power play, above average in the faceoff circle, and can eat minutes. His role changes with the addition of J.T. Miller, but he is definitely still a top-6 center.

I expect a deal to get done sooner than later as free agency will have an impact on many team's decisions this offseason. If a trade isn't completed by July 1 and teams that are potential destinations execute other plans, it may open up new opportunities for Zibanejad to land. Centers are rare this summer and multiple teams are desperate.