The New York Rangers have been in a free fall for over a month with a 4-15-0 record in their last 19 games played. With a few days off around the New Year’s Eve celebrations, Rangers have another chance to regroup, but that doesn’t mean the damage hasn’t already been done.
From the start of their struggles, the Rangers did replaced their captain, the former second-overall pick and many other names landed in the rumor mill. Among those names that may be talked about in business discussions is experienced striker Mika Zibanejad.
For nearly a decade, Zibanejad was the leader of the Rangers and usually one of the most consistent producers of offense. It was these qualities that earned him a full no-movement clause when he signed an eight-year deal in 2021.
Three seasons into the deal, there were reports that Zibanejad would be willing to waive his no-movement clause to make things better. According to David Pagnotta of Fourth Period, the Rangers haven’t brought up the idea to Zibanejad, but everything seems to be on the table at this point.
As we bow to 2024, @KatePettersen_ & I dive into the “Latest” presented @CCMHockey and touch the continued noise around #NYR & what might be next… Then we’ll offer what might be coming down the pipeline #Canucks, #GoHabsGo & #Isles over the next two months. pic.twitter.com/uPxLWVQtj0
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) December 31, 2024
“Talking to two people now … they believe Mika could waive his no-movement clause for the right environment,” Pagnotta said. “Rangers seem to be considering it for Mika Zibanejad if they find the right deal.
Things kept getting worse for the Rangers during this stretch. The Rangers entered the 2024-25 season as Stanley Cup contenders, but now sit last in the Metropolitan Division.
Zibanejad played 603 games for Rangers with 236 goals and 312 assists for a total of 548 points. Zibanejad, who was held to just 700 points in his career (300G-399A), would be a welcome addition to any team looking to bolster their offense for a playoff run.
A trade involving Zibanejad wouldn’t be cheap or easy to pull off, but the Rangers may have to sell some pieces to try to get back on track.