If it already wasn't enough that his wife revealed information that should squash speculation Mika Zibanejad will be traded by the New York Rangers this summer, then perhaps another key piece of intel should silence the rumors.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Rangers have not asked Zibanejad to waive his no-move clause. That's important because the Rangers can't make any transaction involving Zibanejad unless they get the player's approval.
On the flip side, the Rangers approached Chris Kreider about amending his partial no-trade list shortly after the 2024-25 season ended. Kreider was traded to the Anaheim Ducks , a team originally on his no-trade list, last week for prospect Carey Terrance and a swap of mid-round draft picks.
Larry Brooks reported in The New York Post that Zibanejad was one of several veteran players kept in the loop about Kreider's situation before the trade was finalized. That's another sign Zibanejad is staying put with the Rangers.
"Obviously, there's been a lot of news, conjecture, and speculation around him," Friedman said about Zibanejad on the 32 Thoughts podcast. "I poked around and this is what I can tell you: he has not been asked to submit teams or waive [his no-move clause]. Remember, he has control over this. He has the no-move clause, nothing could happen without Zibanejad's control or approval. He has not been asked to submit teams or waive."
Zibanejad has zero interest in leaving New York. He made that abundantly clear on breakup day, pointing to the protection in his contract, which pays him $8.5 million annually for he next five seasons . His no-move clause becomes a partial no-trade in 2029-30, the final season of the deal.
So, despite playing a large role in the Rangers' miserable 2024-25 season, Zibanejad most likely will be part of the core trying to get the team back on track next season. Whether Zibanejad does so playing center or right wing is up to new coach Mike Sullivan.
The Rangers would benefit greatly if the 32-year-old regains his mojo. Remember, he scored 39 goals and totaled 91 points just a couple of years ago before cratering with 20 goals and 62 points this past season.
Related: K'Andre Miller overwhelming choice to be next Rangers player traded after Chris Kreider deal: poll
Speaking of Sullivan, Zibanejad's wife Irma shared in an Instagram post this past week that the Rangers coach visited the couple in their native Sweden. She did so to quiet the noise from rumors that have — in her words — "zero truth."
Friedman saw this as another reason why the Rangers won't be trading the 10-time 20-goal scorer anytime soon.
"His wife said on Instagram the other day that Mike Sullivan had flown out there to Sweden to meet with him," Friedman said. "That doesn't happen unless that is the initial goal here. Sullivan wouldn't take all that time, the Rangers wouldn't send him out there if their goal was to get rid of the player."
Just because it appears Zibanejad will be back next season doesn't mean the Rangers are done wheeling and dealing after the Kreider trade. For one, there are numerous reports stating the Rangers are weighing trade offers for restricted free-agent defenseman K'Andre Miller. Others could also be on the block after general manager Chris Drury made it known he's looking to shake up the roster this offseason.
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