Report: Rangers Could Look To Move Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider This Summer
The New York Rangers could explore trading Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider this offseason, according to Arthur Staple of The Athletic. Both players surfaced in trade discussions this season, with general manager Chris Drury initiating talks as early as November. Kreider, 33, has two years remaining on his $6.5 million AAV contract but has dealt with injuries, making a trade challenging. If the Rangers can’t find a suitor, a buyout is a possibility, though it would leave cap hits of $3 million in 2025-26, $4 million in 2026-27, and $1.5 million for the following two seasons. Meanwhile, Zibanejad carries an $8.5 million AAV through 2029-30 and a full no-movement clause, making a deal difficult unless he agrees to waive it.
Drury acknowledged that reshaping the roster midseason was a necessary risk, moving out key veterans like Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren, and Jimmy Vesey while acquiring players like J.T. Miller, Carson Soucy, and Will Borgen. “Just trying to thread the needle, trying to make sure we got some assets back for the future, while trying to show the group I still believe in them,” Drury said. The Rangers clawed back into the playoff picture, but they remain a step behind the Eastern Conference’s elite teams. With K’Andre Miller and Will Cuylle due for raises and Jonathan Quick’s future uncertain, Drury may need to clear a decent amount of cap space to maintain flexibility.
Trading any of these veterans would give the Rangers the space to make a big move, potentially targeting a star like Brady Tkachuk if he becomes available.Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images...
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