The New York Rangers have been the talk of the NHL this season, mostly for the wrong reasons. The team has mightily struggled, traded their captain, rumors about firing their head coach, and their place in the standings has dominated talk. With the team still struggling, there are more moves likely coming. But is there anyone who is omitted? One star, Mika Zibanejad, has been brought up in trade talks but is he staying?
Rangers, Zibanejad parting ways?
Zibanejad was drafted by the Ottawa Senators sixth overall in the 2011 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-2 and 202-pound forward had loads of talent and promise, showcasing his skill set to a Senators team on the rise. He would be part of the organization for five years before being traded to the Rangers. In return, Ottawa received a seventh-round draft pick in the 2018 NHL draft (Luke Loheit) and forward Derick Brassard.
He had a new lease on life and it showed as the trade would rejuvenate Zibanejad into an offensive star on Broadway. He became a complete player who could play a regular shift, power play, and penalty kill. He would quickly become the player the Rangers needed at that time and New York would become a contender once again.
However, this season, Zibanejad has struggled like the entire roster. While his offensive stats are good, they are not what they once were. This season, he has six goals and 15 assists for 21 points in 30 games but is also a -15. For his nine-year career with New York, he has 236 goals and 312 assists for 548 points in 598 games. He is a top-line player who has been consistent in his offensive production. He is in the third year of an eight-year deal, with an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million. After defenseman Jacob Trouba was traded to the Anaheim Ducks, is Zibanejad next?
If the Rangers do move Zibanejad, who would be the likely suitors for his services? At the top of the list would have to be a team on the verge of being a contender, who is a piece or two away from making a serious push. A trade within the conference may not be the best move for the Rangers so that means a trade to the Western Conference. Who would take on the contract and have the cap space?
The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Vegas Golden Knights
Next season, Columbus has a projected cap space of $40.33 million and $55.62 million the season after. Vegas has a projected cap space of only $9.24 million next season but $22.88 and $50.08 the next two seasons. Vegas always seems to get a special player every season and Columbus is slowly starting to attract players to their organization and is in need of offense. The main sticking point could be Zibanejad's no-movement clause.
If News York does indeed part ways with the talented forward teams across the league will be lining up for his services. Will he waive his no-movement clause and accept a trade? What will the Rangers ask for in return? If New York keeps sliding in the standings and they do not turn it around. expect more than just changes to the roster.