Rangers insider confirms Mika Zibanejad emerges as a trade option

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Ryan Hall
June 17, 2024 (8:57)

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The bitter disappointment that was the Eastern Conference final has sparked some speculation on whether the Rangers will continue with their current core led by Mika Zibanejad.

After being knocked out in the third round by the Florida Panthers, it became clear that the team struggled to score goals especially five on five along with their star players not producing at key times.

One player who was noticeably absent was Zibanejad which he had only two assists during the entire series and no goals whatsoever. Other players like Chris Kreider, Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin were also absent on the score sheet.

General manager Chris Drury had mentioned in the season ending conference that nothing is off the table in terms of major decisions that need to be made. This led to Larry brooks of the New York Post stating that this current core has gone as far as it could, and that Drury will need to make tough decisions on how to continue into next year.

Moving a player like Zibanejad will be very difficult as he holds six years remaining in his deal an A cap value of $8.5 million per season. He also holds a full no movement clause which would require the Rangers to ask him if he'd be willing to waive it if the team Wanted to craft a trade and put him on a team he'd like to go to.

There are four teams mentioned that could be in the running for a player of his calibre including the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Vegas Golden Knights. Each team would pose unique set of circumstances on whether they could fit a player of his financial demands.

In the meantime, the Rangers will continue to prepare for the NHL Entry Draft which has always been a place where major trades can happen.

Source: Bleacher Report - 4 Potential Trade Options for New York Rangers Center Mika Zibanejad