Trade incoming? Mika Zibanejad emerges as a potential trade target for a shocking Canadian Team
Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The New York Rangers are looking to reshape their identity, and that means core pieces could be moved, like Mika Zibanejad. The team needs a top-six center, and the Rangers could be sellers. Could GM Chris Drury and Kent Hughes come to a deal that works for all parties involved?
The Montreal Canadiens found their way into the playoffs through the wild-card rankings in the East. They'd be shown the door by the Washington Capitals in the 1st-round, but for Martin St. Louis, it was a good showing.
As an early exit, GM Kent Hughes knows he needs more help, especially down the middle, given how often injured Kirby Dach is.
An addition of Mika Zibanejad to the center core could be a solution to the Habs team that doesn't have what it takes to make it down the long stretch of the playoffs.
Not only that, but forward Ivan Demidov, the Habs' latest and greatest rookie, needs a playmaking center.
At it stands now, it's a wonder the team made it as far as they did, as they've had to rely upon Chris Dvorak in the 2nd-line center role, while Dach remains on IR.
If the Rangers could see Zibanejad on the move to Montreal, they could get a decent haul for him. Though we shouldn't expect more from him than we would've seen if he were traded during one of his career years.
In 82 games this season, Zibanejad scored a total of 62 points (20 goals, 42 assists). We haven't seen him score below 60 since the shortened season in 2020-2021, and when he arrived in 2016-2017, where he'd post a total of 37 points.
A fresh start could be helpful for Zibanejad to kickstart his game once again in the NHL, and Montreal would be a good move.
Though we suspect GM Chris Drury would have to retain a percentage of salary to receive a better draft pick in return for him.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
MAI 8 | 1389 ANSWERS Trade incoming? Mika Zibanejad emerges as a potential trade target for a shocking Canadian Team Do you think GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers should trade forward Mika Zibanejad to the Montreal Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 791 | 56.9 % |
| No | 598 | 43.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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