Shocking News: Rangers Forward’s Surprising Trade Talks Heat Up with Western Conference Team

Shocking News: Rangers Forward’s Surprising Trade Talks Heat Up with Western Conference Team

New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad has reportedly emerged as a potential trade candidate, with discussions now taking place with a Western Conference team. While players like Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider have been at the center of trade rumors in recent weeks, Zibanejad’s name is a shocking inclusion on the market.

According to Marco D’Amico of RG.com, who cites a “trusted NHL source,” Zibanejad’s status is being actively evaluated by the Rangers. While it is not confirmed that the team is actively seeking to move him, the source states that the Rangers are willing to listen to offers for the 31-year-old center, as long as the right deal comes along. D’Amico explains that the team has explored Zibanejad’s trade value, though there may not be a match with the Western Conference team at this point.

The news is surprising, especially given Zibanejad’s strong track record with the Rangers. Over the past seven seasons, he has been one of the team’s most consistent offensive players, averaging 30 goals per year. However, this season has been a struggle for the Swedish forward. With just five goals in 24 games, Zibanejad is on pace to miss his usual goal tally, leading to frustration among fans. This performance dip is further underscored by his first negative plus/minus rating in six years, sitting at -14.

Despite these challenges, Zibanejad still has five years remaining on his contract, with an $8.5 million cap hit. This long-term deal could make a trade difficult to execute, particularly for a team looking to improve midseason. Nonetheless, if a team is willing to make it work, it seems that the Rangers are open to discussing the possibility of a deal.

D’Amico’s source also hinted at the possibility of changes coming to the Rangers, as General Manager Chris Drury is reportedly looking for a significant shakeup to address the team’s struggles. While the head coach could still be a potential target for a change, Drury seems keen on making a bold statement with the players, and Zibanejad’s name may be part of that strategy.

As of now, the Rangers are in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division, with a record of 14-10-1. While the team has the potential to turn things around, the front office may be considering a trade to jumpstart their season. Whether Zibanejad’s name is part of that solution remains to be seen, but the whispers of a potential move are sure to keep fans and analysts watching closely.