Despite Mika Zibanejad currently enjoying a six-game point streak, there are significant worries about his decline in performance over the last two seasons with the New York Rangers. An NHL insider even questions whether the Rangers can realistically compete for a Stanley Cup with Zibanejad in a key role.
It’s remarkable how quickly Zibanejad’s value has diminished. Just two seasons ago, he scored 39 goals and recorded a career-high 91 points, earning a reputation as one of the top two-way centers in the league at age 29. However, he now appears to be a diminishing asset for the Rangers, having underperformed in the 2023-24 season with only 72 points and fading during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, particularly in the Eastern Conference Final against the Florida Panthers, which the Rangers lost in six games.
This season has been a setback for Zibanejad, who ranks fourth on the Rangers in scoring with just 27 points in 42 games. He has only scored eight goals, two of which came on the power play, and carries a troubling minus-21 rating.
Dennis Bernstein from The Fourth Period suggested on the Rink Rap podcast that the Rangers should consider trading Zibanejad. He argues that to win the championship, a team needs strong players at center and believes Zibanejad does not fit that description. Bernstein noted that while Zibanejad has had outstanding seasons in the past, his recent performances indicate that he is not suited for a top center role on a championship-caliber team.
This critique poses a stark reality for the Rangers, who have Zibanejad signed at an $8.5 million cap hit until the 2029-30 season, along with a full no-move clause through 2028-29, suggesting a lengthy partnership unless Zibanejad opts for a new environment or the Rangers create enough discomfort that he waives his clause.
Bernstein proposed that if he were Rangers GM Chris Drury, he would investigate Zibanejad’s willingness to relocate and explore potential trade opportunities, even if that might not improve the team significantly.
There have been rumors of the Vancouver Canucks rejecting a trade offer involving Zibanejad for center J.T. Miller, and NHL insider Renaud Lavoie recently suggested a possible deal with the Colorado Avalanche that would send Zibanejad in exchange for pending unrestricted free agent Mikko Rantanen.
While these are merely rumors, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Rangers considered parting ways with Zibanejad if the opportunity arose.
