The New York Rangers appear ready to keep Mika Zibanejad for the 2025-26 NHL season, despite his name coming up in trade rumors.
After the Rangers failed to make the playoffs, it was expected that New York would look to shake up their roster. The Rangers have already traded Chris Kreider, and although Zibanejad’s name has come up in trade talks, it’s unlikely he will be dealt.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet revealed that new Rangers coach Mike Sullivan flew to Sweden to meet with Zibanejad, which likely signals he will remain on the team.
“I poked around, and this is what I can tell you. He has not been asked to submit teams (he would go to) or waive (his no-move),” Friedman said on 32 Thoughts. “Remember, he has control over this. He has the no-move clause. Nothing can happen without Zibanejad’s control and approval. He’s not been asked to submit teams or waive.
“His wife said on Instagram the other day that Mike Sullivan had flown out there to Sweden to meet with him,” Friedman added. “And I think that that doesn’t happen unless that is the initial goal here (to keep him). Sullivan wouldn’t take all that time, the Rangers wouldn’t send him out there if their goal was to get rid of the player.”
Zibanejad has five years left on his eight-year, $68 million deal, but it appears he will remain with the Rangers.
Last season, Zibanejad struggled as he recorded 20 goals and 42 assists for 62 points in 80 games. It was down from the 72 and 91 points he had in the previous two seasons.
Insider Shares Rangers’ Plan for Zibanejad
With New York likely keeping Zibanejad, Friedman shared the plan for the winger.
Zibanejad played on the wing with J.T. Miller, and he had a bit of success. Friedman says the plan is to keep him on the wing and build up the chemistry with Miller.
“I think they would like to see if they could build more chemistry with them. It’s always easier to solve your problem than trade your problem,” Friedman wrote. “That is what it sounds like the Rangers are going to try.
“Put him with Miller right from the start, build up the chemistry, try to make it work, and that is what is going on here,” Friedman added. “Try to get Zibanejad back to the player that he has shown he can be. The key is, he has not been asked to waive. Clearly, Mike Sullivan and the Rangers felt it was important to meet him face-to-face.”
Zibanejad is a one-time NHL All-Star.
Zibanejad Excited to be Coached by Sullivan
After New York fired Peter Laviolette and hired Mike Sullivan, Zibanejad was excited for the change.
Zibanejad said he spoke briefly to Sullivan after he was hired and was eager to play under him.
“Obviously excited with a coach like that,” Zibanejad said. “He’s had a lot of success. I had a quick phone call with him and I’m sure we’ll have more calls and more conversations during the summer, obviously getting to know him.”
The Rangers finished the year with a record of 39-36-7.
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