The New York Rangers are experiencing a tough season on the ice in 2024-25. They initially appeared to be contenders for the Stanley Cup, similar to their performance last year. However, the team has seen a significant decline, prompting trades of Jacob Trouba and Kaapo Kakko in an effort to revitalize the roster. Veteran forward Mika Zibanejad is also speculated to be on the trading block.
Since joining the Rangers in 2016-17, Zibanejad has been a strong performer, but he has faced challenges this season, netting only seven goals in 37 games. Despite his struggles, he remains a potential trade target for the team. Some reports suggest that a deal could have been arranged if he had agreed to waive his no-movement clause, which he has not done so far. He expressed his focus on the game ahead, telling The Athletic, “I haven’t heard anything. I don’t read anything, I don’t listen to anything. It’s noise.”
Mika Zibanejad holds significant influence over the Rangers’ future. The team has used strategies some consider controversial, such as placing forward Barclay Goodrow on waivers, despite him having San Jose on his no-trade list, which allowed New York to sidestep his clause.
A similar situation occurred with Jacob Trouba, who was warned he could be placed on waivers before he agreed to waive his no-trade clause for a move to Anaheim. In contrast, Zibanejad’s full no-movement clause protects him from being placed on waivers without his consent. He commented on the importance of such clauses, stating, “It’s something that was negotiated and earned… My focus has always been here. My focus has never been on anything else.”
The Rangers are coming off a significant victory against the Boston Bruins, marking only their sixth win since November 19. They will next take to the ice on Saturday, aiming for a second consecutive win against the Washington Capitals, which would be their first back-to-back triumphs since November.
