Mika Zibanejad's Fate with Rangers Emerges Following Major Report

Now, just a month and a half later, it appears that Zibanejad will be traded by the Rangers, as Arthur Staple of The Athletic has reported that the two parties have agreed that a trade is best for both sides.

'Rangers and Mika Zibanejad's camp may have already decided that 'moving on would be best''- Arthur Staple, The Athletic

The issue with trading Zibanejad is that he has a full no-movement clause which means he could reject a trade to any destination he views as subpar. While both the Rangers and Zibanejad want to move on from each other, Zibanejad will want to ensure that he is moving to a team that is best for his family, himself, and his career.

The Rangers have had little issue with moving on from their players who have had trade protection, with waiving Barclay Goodrow, who was subsequently claimed off waivers by the San Jose Sharks, and bullying Jacob Trouba into accepting a trade to the Anaheim Ducks. Just earlier this month, they moved Chris Kreider, their longest tenured player, to Anaheim, a team on his no-trade list.

It appears that Zibanejad will be the next Ranger with trade protection to be moved by GM Chris Drury, and while Zibanejad will have a say in where he lands, the Rangers will be holding most of the cards.

Zibanejad is coming off a relative down year, scoring only 20 goals and 62 points, but is still a great player in his own right. Whichever team moves for the Swedish goalscorer will look to revitalize his career and have him make the Rangers regret their decision.