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Elliotte Friedman: Uncertainty Growing Around Mika Zibanejad's Future in New York

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 3:00 PM ET

There is a growing uncertainty surrounding the future of Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad in New York, per a new report from NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman.

The New York Rangers have already undergone massive changes in the last year, especially in the wake of a difficult season that resulted in them failing to earn a playoff spot only a year after winning the President's Trophy and advancing to the ECF.

Among the players that were dealt during the season were Jacob Trouba and Filip Chytil, while Chris Kreider has since been traded to the Anaheim Ducks, and K'Andre Miller has been traded to the Carolina Hurricanes.

One notable figure on the Rangers who struggled in 2024-25 was Mika Zibanejad, who had his name pop up in multiple trade rumors.

Per a new report from NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers and GM Chris Drury are trying to work things out with Zibanejad.

It's very clear the Rangers are working with Mika Zibanejad; they're trying to figure out a way to make it work; you never know if it'll continue, but the bottom line is, this season is not starting the way the last two did [trade noise] - 32 Thoughts Podcast

After the trade of Kreider to the Ducks, Mika Zibanejad is now the longest-tenured member of the team. He arrived in a trade with the Ottawa Senators for Derick Brassard and has been with the team ever since.

He's under contract for another 5 years with an AAV (average annual value) of $8.5 million, meaning that he would be difficult to trade with such a hefty contract.

But after what was a difficult year in the Big Apple, it appears as though both sides are working to keep the relationship going.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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