The New York Rangers may look to overhaul their core this summer, with trade rumors swirling around key players like Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, and Chris Kreider.
Due to limited cap space, it’s likely that at least one — possibly two — of these veterans will be moved. In a hypothetical trade scenario, Arthur Staple of The Athletic proposed the Rangers send Zibanejad to the Chicago Blackhawks in a move purely aimed at shedding salary.
“Trade Zibanejad (with 20 percent salary retention) and a second-round pick to Chicago for future considerations,” Staple suggested in his piece outlining the Rangers’ ideal offseason.
Offloading Zibanejad’s contract — which still has five years remaining on an eight-year, $68 million deal — would be a tough pill to swallow, especially if it means retaining salary and giving up a draft pick.
Chicago, however, could be a logical trade partner. The Blackhawks have plenty of cap space and are actively seeking talent to support rising star Connor Bedard. Zibanejad would fit nicely on their top line and bolster their offense.
For the Rangers, the deal would be less about return and more about resetting the roster and clearing salary after a disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs.
“If Zibanejad is willing to waive his no-move clause, you take what you can get,” Staple added. “In this imagined deal, it’s a second-rounder to persuade the Blackhawks while retaining $1.75 million per year — a fair price if the goal is to move on from him.”
Currently, New York has just over $8.4 million in available cap space heading into the offseason.
Zibanejad Wants to Remain With Rangers
Mika Zibanejad has been a cornerstone of the Rangers’ lineup and holds a full no-movement clause in his contract.
Following the season, he made it clear that he intends to exercise that clause if necessary.
“I know what’s in my contract… Both sides agreed to it, and I believe I’ve earned that right. Unless there’s a reason to revisit it, I have no intention of leaving. I’ve put a lot of time into this team,” Zibanejad said.
As long as he chooses not to waive the clause, the Rangers are powerless to move him, meaning he’ll remain on the roster when the next season begins.
Still, many fans are hopeful he’ll consider waiving it if the right opportunity comes along.
New Rangers Coach Plans to Push The Players
The New York Rangers missed the playoffs just one year after finishing with the NHL’s best regular-season record.
In response to the underwhelming season, the team parted ways with head coach Peter Laviolette and brought in Mike Sullivan. During his introductory press conference, Sullivan emphasized his commitment to reigniting the team’s championship aspirations.
“I hope to bring the lessons I’ve learned over the years to New York and use them to be a better coach for this group,” Sullivan said. “Our goal is to challenge these players daily to reach their full potential and see how far that can take us.”
Sullivan acknowledged the roster’s talent but stressed the importance of building team chemistry.
“There’s no question there’s a lot of talent in that locker room,” he added. “But we all know talent by itself doesn’t win championships—teams do. Our mission from the very start will be becoming a true team.”
Sullivan enters the role with a strong résumé, including a 479-311-15-112 coaching record and two Stanley Cup championships.