Rangers Near Agreement to Move Mika Zibanejad Amid Offseason Changes

Amid a significant offseason shakeup for the New York Rangers, star center Mika Zibanejad's future with the team remains uncertain despite recent indications from his wife and new coach Mike Sullivan that he will remain a Ranger for the upcoming season. The Rangers, under president and GM Chris Drury, are actively seeking to change the team's chemistry after missing the playoffs following their Presidents' Trophy-winning season, with veteran Chris Kreider already traded to Anaheim. Reports suggest that both the Rangers and Zibanejad's camp have agreed that moving on might be best, but trading him is complicated due to his no-movement clause and a sizable contract worth $8.5 million annually for five more years. Zibanejad's recent performance has dipped compared to his career peak, though he still offers valuable skills such as power play proficiency and faceoff strength, which makes him a desirable but costly asset. Teams interested in acquiring Zibanejad must consider his contract size and the requirement that he waive his no-movement clause, making a trade challenging but possible if the player consents. The Rangers' offseason moves, including the departure of several key veterans, signal a rebuilding phase aimed at reshaping the roster and potentially moving on from long-tenured players like Zibanejad.