Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers remain one of the more interesting teams across the entire NHL landscape, especially with the trade rumors flying around. With New York, many have centered around star wing Mika Zibanejad and what the future holds for him with the team.

The Rangers want to get younger and build toward the future, but the roster is full of high-priced veteran players. This could see a player like Zibanejad be traded this year, with New York looking toward the next few years.

Last season with the Rangers, Zibanejad put up 20 goals and had 42 assists over 82 games played in the regular season. Zibanejad has played in at least 81 games in each of the past four seasons for his team, showing some impressive durability throughout his career.

The veteran showed that he is still a quality player on the ice, and there would be multiple teams interested in adding him to the mix if he were put on the trade block. However, his large contract could complicate everything, especially since he still has four more years left on the books after this current season.

The veteran is owed $8.5 million in each year, and this could make it tough to get a trade done. New York may need to retain some salary if it wants to trade Zibanejad, but this all remains to be seen.

Another issue is that Zibanejad has a full no-trade clause in his contract, so he would need to signal an okay to get any deal done. All in all, trading Zibanejad could be tough for the Rangers, but if things were to go south, the veteran may ask out.

Key Points

The New York Rangers could continue to sell off high-priced veterans at the trade deadline.
New York is building toward the future after a poor start to the NHL season.

Mika Zibanejad could be one of the players that the Rangers look to trade.

Zibanejad’s contract could make a trade tough for New York.

Quick Facts:

Team: New York Rangers
Top Trade Deadline Need: Building for the future

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Why Mika Zibanejad Makes Sense for the San Jose Sharks

One team that could be interested in making a run at Zibanejad at the trade deadline, if he is put on the trade front, is the San Jose Sharks. While on the surface, the Sharks may not be the first choice of Zibanejad, this team is on the come-up.

San Jose has a solid prospect pool that the Rangers could choose from in a deal, and Zibanejad would get a chance to help with retooling. struggling franchise. It has been a strong start for San Jose this season, and Zibanejad could be one of the missing pieces to help push this team toward playoff contention.

The Sharks have a lot of very talented young players, and Zibanejad could become the leader of this team. His presence would likely do wonders for San Jose, and the Sharks could get back to real contention with him.

Adding his presence could see the Sharks jump up in the standings, and a postseason berth could be in the cards. Zibanejad could then grow with this team as they try to ascend to consistent contender.

San Jose also has plenty of cap space to work with, so his large salary wouldn’t be an issue in a potential trade. The Sharks could essentially absorb the contract, and a deal could be fairly easy to process.

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