Mika Zibanejad Shares Emotional Message to Chris Kreider After Stunning Trade to Ducks

Kreider is clearly excited to start a new chapter in his life, joining good friend Trevor Zegras in one of the most talented and intriguing forward groups in the NHL, but behind the scenes, it's been quite tough for several players.

None more so than Mika Zibanejad, who was incredibly tight with Kreider during their time in New York, and just a day after he was officially traded, Zibanejad has paid tribute to his friend after their final game together.

Kreids,

I'm incredibly lucky to have had the pleasure of playing with you for almost 10 years, but that's nothing compared to the pleasure of getting to know you and becoming best friends.

You took me in from DAY 1. You've taught me everything in what it means to be a Ranger.
You've always had my back no matter what.

From being kids to having kids of our own.
It's a journey that doesn't end here.
This is a friendship for a lifetime, teammates or not.
Me and my family will always be grateful for you and your family.

Lastly, I just wanna wish you all the best in Anaheim.
They're lucky to have such an amazing player, person and teammate.

Alltid oavsett.

The final phrase on that tribute translated from Swedish to English means 'always no matter what', signalling unwavering loyalty, and after 10 years together, it's an absolutely beautiful sentiment from Zibanejad to his long-time teammate.

Mika himself may have some tough times ahead in New York as plenty of his favourite teammates are being traded, but in this tribute, he put everything aside to show how much Kreider means to him, and while sports are a business, this is a very tough side effect of that business.