4 Reasons Why Mika Zibanejad Won't Be Traded This Summer

Last year, the New York Rangers began selling off some big names. A retool was underway. Jacob Trouba was gone by the midway point of the 2024-25 season. Chris Kreider and K'Andre Miller were dealt last summer. Artemi Panarin was sent out this year.

But one of the veteran players who has had his name embroiled in trade rumors is still around. And Mika Zibanejad is highly unlikely to be traded this summer, and for good reason.

As Andrew Crane writes in the New York Post, Zibanejad isn't going anywhere, and we can determine four reasons why:

A Renaissance season from the 32-year-old, 15-year veteran
Gabe Perreault
Alexis Lafrenière
No-Move Clause

Zibanejad, with 33 goals and 75 points, is registering his best season in three years. Additionally, he has been instrumental in the blossoming of youngsters Perreault and Lafreniere on the Rangers top line.

Now, writes Crane, instead of being looked at as part of the just concluded failed Rangers era, "he has become a bridge to their future."

“I think he takes responsibility for helping some of the younger guys,” head coach Mike Sullivan said after Tuesday’s practice in Tarrytown. “Mika’s not a real rah-rah guy, but I think he’s a quiet leader and these are some of the ways that it manifests itself.”

And of course, the final piece of the Zibanejad puzzle in New York is that the 11-time 20-goal scorer owns a full no-move clause on his eight-year deal, with four more seasons to run. And he made it clear last year, and again this year, that he wants to stay in Manhattan.

“It would’ve been easy to play along with what happened last year and have that be the truth,” Zibanejad said, “but I feel like the belief in myself and what I’m capable of doing and what I think I can do, and then obviously from the coaching staff, it’s been a good mix.

“Doubting myself,” Zibanejad said, “was not the option coming into the season.”

So put those trade rumors aside. The Rangers may try to make plenty of bold moves this summer, but it doesn't feel like Zibby will be one of them.