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Insider Speculates Rangers Could Revisit Mika Zibanejad Trade

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Jackson Weber | Last updated Jan 19, 2026 4:30 PM ET

Outside of Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox, and likely J.T. Miller, nobody on the New York Rangers feels untouchable right now. GM Chris Drury is fed up with what he’s seen over the last year and a half and is ready to retool his roster by moving out some core pieces.

Drury certainly hasn’t been shy about forcing players out in the past — Barclay Goodrow, Jacob Trouba, and Chris Kreider all come to mind — and after a disappointing 2024–25, it felt like the same could happen for Mika Zibanejad. Instead, he stuck around, and now that he’s rebuilt his value with a strong first half of 2025–26, questions are rising about whether the Rangers could look to capitalize on it.

Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period highlighted on Monday who could be on the move in New York, including some talk about Zibanejad.

Pagnotta wrote:

“I am curious if teams poke around on Mika Zibanejad. Zibanejad, 32, has a full no-movement clause and another four years left on his contract. Trade chatter surrounded him around the NHL Draft and over the off-season, and while he was adamant, at the time, that he had no interest in waiving his NMC and accepting a trade, he may now reconsider and could be open to evaluating possible trade destinations given the club’s new direction.”

The 32-year-old Zibanejad is enjoying a major bounce-back season, producing just under a point per game with 46 points (21 goals, 25 assists) through 48 games. He’s in year four of the eight-year, $68 million extension he signed with the Rangers in 2021, which includes a full no-movement clause through 2028–29.

Mika Zibanejad Holds All the Cards

While it makes sense for Drury and the Rangers to consider selling high on the veteran center, it ultimately comes down to what Zibanejad wants.

There were plenty of rumors about a parting of ways this past summer, though reports consistently suggested Zibanejad had no interest in leaving New York — whether he was actually approached about the possibility or not.

He could, of course, change his mind over time, especially after seeing the direction the franchise is heading — likely trading longtime running mate Artemi Panarin — but that’s far from a sure thing.

It puts the Rangers in a tricky spot, because there’s no doubt that, given the way he’s played this season, Drury could land a sizeable return if Zibanejad were willing to entertain a change of scenery.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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