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Mika Zibanejad and Rangers GM Could Have Agreed to Part Ways

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 3:49 AM ET

The New York Rangers appear to be edging closer to a breakup with their longest-tenured forward following the trade of veteran Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks.

According to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, Mika Zibanejad and the team “may have worked things out” regarding a trade, signaling that both sides see a separation as the best path forward.

Zibanejad holds a full no-move clause, meaning he can block any potential destination. But Staple reports there may now be more willingness from the 32-year-old to consider waiving it, especially with the franchise shifting direction.

"There’s a chance that Drury has already worked it out with Zibanejad, who has five years at a $8.5 million average annual value remaining plus a full no-move clause, that moving on would be best," Staple wrote.

Arthur Staple: Rangers and Mika Zibanejad's camp may have already decided that "moving on would be best" - The Athletic
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 15, 2025

Any deal would represent another seismic step in GM Chris Drury’s roster overhaul.

After trading Kreider earlier this month, Jacob Trouba before the start of the 2025 calendar year, and placing Barclay Goodrow on waivers, the front office has shown a clear readiness to dismantle the team’s old core.

Zibanejad posted 20 goals and 62 points this past season, a statistical downturn, but still productive enough to carry value on the trade market.

The forward also delivered a point-per-game postseason in 2024 and brings positional versatility, having shown comfort on the wing in addition to center.

Moving his $8.5 million cap hit would give the Rangers space to retool further. But with center depth already thin, a trade would open yet another hole—unless Drury already has pieces in motion to address it.

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

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