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Insider Reveals Mika Zibanejad's Plans Amid Rangers 'PR Stunt'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 7, 2024 6:45 AM ET

The New York Rangers are diving headfirst into a roster retool following the trade of captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks on Friday, but some pieces of their core remain immovable.

According to The New York Post's Mollie Walker, Mika Zibanejad has not and doesn't plan on waiving his no-move clause (NMC), effectively ruling out his departure via trade or waiving.

"Mika Zibanejad has not waived his no-move clause (NMC), The Post has learned, which means the Swedish center is not going anywhere for the time being," Walker wrote. "Additionally, Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck have NMCs.

"Adam Fox also has a NMC that kicks for the next two seasons before it turns into a no-trade list the final two years.”

Not only did the Rangers trade their captain on Friday, but they also announced a historic contract extension signed by superstar goalie Igor Shesterkin.

The Russian netminder finally accepted a record-breaking eight-year, $11.5 million AAV extension following an endless stream of rumors during the offseason.

However, not everyone is sold on the timing of the extension, with Arthur Staple of The Athletic labeling it a “PR move to win back the affection of some Rangers fans who might not have wanted Trouba gone.”

Staple, however, added that on top of that, the extension makes "an important pivot" for the franchise.

“The one Ranger who needed to feel all these moves were leading to something good is the goalie,” Staple wrote.

Shesterkin won the Vezina Trophy award in 2021-22 and he's become on of the main factors for the Rangers’ success of late, especially during the playoffs

Shesterkin has a .928 save percentage in 44 career playoff games and he's posted a 9-9-1 record this regular season while averaging 2.99 goals against on average and keeping up a .908 save percentage.

The Rangers beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 on Friday, the first game without Jacob Trouba leading the team on the ice as New York's captain, and improved to a 14-10-1 record on the season good for fourth in the Metropolitan Division.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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