Rangers News & Rumors: Sullivan, Zibanejad, Lafreniere, Drury

In this edition of Rangers News & Rumors, we look at the potential hiring of Mike Sullivan, some trade talks surrounding Mika Zibanejad, the future of Alexis Lafreniere, and the extension for Drury.

Mike Sullivan: Next Head Coach?

Insider Elliotte Friedman hinted recently that the Rangers could have interest in bringing in Mike Sullivan, who was recently fired by the Pittsburgh Penguins, to replace Peter Laviolette.

Sullivan won’t be the only coach available to the Rangers if they can’t get a deal done, but all signs point to him being their first choice.

Rick Tocchet also recently became available after announcing he wouldn’t return to the Vancouver Canucks, and he could be someone the Rangers look to bring in depending on how long it takes for Sullivan to make a decision on his future.

Zibanejad Wants to Stay With Rangers

Trade talks involving Mika Zibanejad have started to surface again, after they came about during the season and closer to the 2025 Trade Deadline, but he has made it clear he doesn’t want to leave the Rangers.

Zibanejad, who is 32 years old, was considered to be underperforming by many Rangers fans this season. In 82 games, he scored 20 goals and added 42 assists for 62 points which is a slight down season for him, but was still solid in terms of production. It seems as though he is adamant on remaining with the Blueshirts.

Lafreniere’s Future in Question?

Some fans were curious when a social media post started to make its rounds on X (formerly known as Twitter) suggesting Alexis Lafreniere’s future might be in question.

Larry Brooks, who is a trusted source at the New York Post, isn’t always right, but it’s definitely interesting to take note whenever he mentions the possibility of change. Lafreniere has had his name come up in trade rumors for several seasons now, and some fans believed they were gone after he signed a long-term extension, but this offseason could be interesting if the team is considering moving him.

Drury Shockingly Extended

Rangers fans were wondering, and some were hoping, that Chris Drury would be relieved of his duties as general manager shortly after the team made a coaching change, but that wasn’t the case as the team announced he had been signed to a multi-year extension.

Fans seemed to be split down the middle with their opinions on this move, but it seems as though Drury isn’t going anywhere any time soon. It seems like the ownership group trusts him moving forward, and they have faith he can get them closer to their first Stanley Cup since 1994.

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