RUMOR: A trade underway with the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers involving Mika Zibanajad

Mika Zibanejad has been wearing the Blueshirt of the Rangers since he arrived in trade from Ottawa for Derick Brassard in 2016.

He's grown as a player in that time and has been a key contributor in the lineup until the 2024-25 season, which saw the team decline as a whole. With the waiver of Barclay Goodrow and the trade of Jacob Trouba, the morale hit an all-time low in MSG.

But with the New York Rangers retooling, there shouldn't be a reason why Steve Yzerman doesn't link up with Chris Drury in order to inquire about Mika Zibanejad.

Despite this being an "off-year" for Zibanejad, he scored 62 points (20-42) and was slotted in up and down the lineup. It wasn't until JT Miller arrived that he'd find his stride again.

Though there do remain a few obstacles for a trade to take place, his $8.5 million AAV contract may not be a huge issue, but if Drury wants a significant return, he'll retain a percentage of his salary.

In addition, Zibanejad will have to waive his full NMC, which he didn't do when it came to a possible trade with the Vancouver Canucks last season.

Yzerman may have to reach deep into his pockets in order to acquire someone like Zibanejad, who is a consistent 60-70 point forward in the NHL, even in a bad year.

While NHL Trade Rumors believes that the Rangers won't part ways with their "Number One Center", it's obvious he doesn't pay much attention to Rangers hockey.

Vinnie Trocheck and JT Miller have occupied that space near the end of the year, while Peter Laviolette placed Zibanejad on Miller's wing.

If anything, the Rangers could practice addition by subtraction, relieving them of more cap space and flexibility to acquire a young centerman for a better price.

It may cost the Red Wings a B-level prospect and a draft pick, but the team is deep enough for that to be absorbed.