Should the Toronto Maple Leafs acquire Mika Zibanejad?

NHL free agency is just over a week away, and we’re already seeing teams sign players or make trades. The biggest question for the Toronto Maple Leafs this offseason is how they are going to replace superstar Mitch Marner. Marner is expected to be the top free agent available, arguably since John Tavares hit the open market in 2018.

The Maple Leafs have several holes to fill, notably a need for a second- or third-line centre. The back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers have shown that depth is paramount to postseason success, and the Maple Leafs have struggled in this area (among many).

New York Rangers centre Mika Zibanejad is one of the names connected to the Maple Leafs recently and could check a lot of boxes. Let’s take a look at what Zibanejad brings and whether he would fit in Toronto.

Mika Zibanejad performs in the playoffs

While you still need to make the playoffs, much of the fanbase is more concerned about how potential targets perform in the postseason. Zibanejad can not only help you make the playoffs, but he also has a history of performing in them.

In 2021–22, over 20 playoff games, Zibanejad scored 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points. In the 2023–24 season, Zibanejad scored three goals and 13 assists for 16 points in 16 games. While he has had some less-than-stellar playoff performances in his career, his recent performances have been decent.

This season was an off year for Zibanejad, finishing with 20 goals and 42 assists for 62 points. However, the Rangers as a whole fell off a cliff, and it’s difficult to pin it on one guy. When comparing the production of Zibanejad and Tavares over the last four regular seasons, Zibanejad has produced similarly to Tavares.

Zibanejad has scored 114 goals and 192 assists for 306 points, while Tavares has scored 130 goals and 165 assists for 295 points. In the playoffs, Zibanejad has scored 14 goals and 30 assists for 44 points, while Tavares has scored 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points. The fact is, the Rangers did not make the playoffs last year, so this comparison is between Tavares’ last four postseasons and Zibanejad’s three. 

It’s appealing to add a player like Zibanejad, who can produce in the playoffs. The Maple Leafs have very few trade assets to spend, but it appears the Rangers are seeking a culture change following the recent Chris Kreider trade. A deal makes sense for both sides.

The bad and possibly very bad

Every trade does not come without risk; however, with Zibanejad, there are a few areas of concern. Zibanejad is 32, and while he’s two years younger than Tavares, could his production last season indicate he is on the decline?

If he is on the decline, then the Maple Leafs are stuck with Zibanejad for another four years with a mammoth $8.5M AAV. With Tavares rumoured to want a 5–6 year x $5M+ AAV deal, that is a lot of money to spend on centres that are in their twilight years.

Zibanejad can play on the penalty kill, and with Marner likely leaving, this is a huge benefit. However, the argument could be made that Zibanejad brings much of what the Maple Leafs already have–skilled forwards who do not bring enough “grit” in the playoffs. 

Zibanejad is accused of taking shifts off or being lazy, similar to William Nylander. However, the difference is that Nylander is younger and possesses high-end talent. The problem is that if the Maple Leafs acquire Zibanejad, who needs to waive his no-movement clause, the Maple Leafs are likely stuck with him.

Should the Maple Leafs acquire Mika Zibanejad?

There’s a lot to like about Mika Zibanejad from a playoff production perspective. Furthermore, one off year does not mean he is going to fall off a cliff. The Maple Leafs have limited options to retool. They don’t have a ton of high-quality assets, and players that could likely fetch a decent return, such as Morgan Rielly, have a full NMC clause. Furthermore, the free agent crop this offseason is as deep as a puddle. The Maple Leafs are now stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I think the Maple Leafs have enough assets to acquire Zibanejad, and possibly have the Rangers retain $1M-2M. However, if the Maple Leafs want to shake up the culture in the room, is Zibanejad really the answer? 

On the flip side, we’re not asking Zibanejad to play first-line centre like he does on the Rangers. We are asking him to play on the second or third line and likely on the penalty kill. The Maple Leafs’ bottom-six lacks scoring ability, and I think Zibanejad can add that missing element on the third line, especially come playoff time. This would give the Maple Leafs perhaps their best 1–2–3 centre rotation in years.

What do you think about Mika Zibanejad? Should the Maple Leafs trade for him? What centre would you like to see the Maple Leafs acquire? Let us know down below!