Maple Leafs Should Explore Trade with Rangers as Key Player Faces Uncertain Future
Photo credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs need to find a way to trade for Mika Zibanejad this summer, after a lot of changes in New York leave his future in doubt.
There's a lot of changes that are going down all across the NHL this offseason. From new coaches, to star free agents switching teams, to long-time faces leaving their franchises; and pretty much everyone is going to look different come next season.
One team that got a head start on things were the New York Rangers, as GM Chris Drury has shipped out big names like Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider, and Kaapo Kakko through trades, and might be parting with some of his pending RFA's as well.
Toronto should go after Mika Zibanejad with New York remodelling
So with all of those changes, and several more to come, the Maple Leafs should try and see what it could cost to pry Ottawa's former sixth overall pick in 2011: Mika Zibanejad.
The 12-year veteran has put in a very respectable career so far, and since coming over to New York has been one of their most reliable offensive presences.
In 649 games with the Rangers, Zibanejad has 589 points (250G, 339A) while winning over 50% of his face-offs, playing exceptional defense and also putting up 63 points in 74 career playoff games (OTT and NYR).
But according to The Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, he believes Zibanejad's days are numbered given that he's seen all of his old friends shipped out:
If you're Mika Zibanejad and you've got your full no move and you're standing on that ground, which is of course a clause that you've earned, whether it's been Goodrow on waivers or Trouba or now Kreider, they'll find a way to get you at some point. - Frank Seravalli
Where does Mika Zibanejad fit with Toronto?
If the team wants to really change their DNA, then making Zibanejad their 2C would certainly fit the bill. He's both offensively and defensively sound, is younger than John Tavares, and locked up for the next four years.
He could bring a new facet on offense, plus he's a legitimate playoff performer which is something Toronto desperately needs.
He does make $8.5M for the next four years, do acquiring him would be akin to signing a top free agent, though they could ask for retention but that might be unlikely (though they don't have anyone retained so it's feasible).
Plus, you're adding a Swedish star alongside William Nylander, and with the potential to be a dynamic duo that can quickly find chemistry (especially with the Olympics coming up in 2026); it might be worth the price.
His mix of two-way play, veteran leadership, consistent playoff production, and needing a change of scenery; it seems the perfect fit for Mika Zibanejad to come back to the division where he started his career.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 13 | 380 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Should Explore Trade with Rangers as Key Player Faces Uncertain Future Does Mika Zibanejad make sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 152 | 40 % |
| No | 228 | 60 % |
| List of polls | ||
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