New York Rangers
Insider Confirms Canucks Nixed Zibanejad Trade Talk with Rangers
A new report notes the New York Rangers offered Mika Zibanejad to the Canucks for J.T. Miller in a straight-up trade. What happened?
** Update: January 8, 2025: Elliotte Friedman has confirmed Yohe’s report that an offer was made by the Rangers to the Canucks. He did add that there might have been a bigger offer in place than a simple one-for-one trade that would have sent Mike Zibanejad to the Canucks for J.T. Miller.
Friedman wrote in this 32 Thoughts column:
“From what I understand, they approached the Canucks to discuss what something could look like, and Zibanejad was included in the conversation. I don’t know that Zibanejad, who has a no-move clause, was ever approached. I asked at the time and did not receive a clear answer. I also think it was actually a bigger deal, and one of the issues is that Vancouver adores Braden Schneider, who the Rangers do not want to trade. This would be the second time New York has rejected a Vancouver attempt for him.”
According to Josh Yohe of The Athletic, the New York Rangers made a trade offer to the Vancouver Canucks that the latter didn’t like. There has been speculation that Rangers’ GM Chris Drury has been eyeing a way to get J.T. Miller back and has reached out about his availability. However, previous reports suggested no trade offers were actually made. Yohe’s report suggests otherwise and that a straight-up, one-for-one trade deal was tabled, offering Mika Zibanejad for Miller.
He writes:
“Earlier this season, the Rangers offered struggling center Mika Zibanejad to Vancouver in return for Miller. The Canucks turned down the offer. It’s no secret that the Rangers are very interested in Miller, who was drafted by New York in 2011 and played his first six NHL seasons there.”
This is certainly interesting, considering the rumors that had been out there previously.
Did the Rangers Talk to Zibanejad About a Trade?
It’s key to remember that both players have no-move clauses in their contracts. It’s possible the Rangers made an offer than intended to talk to Zibanejad if the offer was accepted or Vancouver made a counter. Like other previous rumors, there was never a report that the Rangers had spoken to Zibanejad about waiving his no-move. There was talk the center might be willing to do for the right deal. Was this it?
In December, Nick Alberga of Leafs Nation wrote that the Maple Leafs might want to inquire about a Zibanejad trade. He explained, “It would be a complicated deal to put together, but at the very least, I think the Leafs should inquire on Mika Zibanejad’s availability.” He added that his sources claim Zibanejad would be willing to waive his no-movement clause in the right deal.
The Canucks Weren’t Interested Then… Are They Now?
A lot can change in a month or two. It’s assumed that if the Canucks decline that trade offer, it’s because the valued Miller more than Zibanejad. Perhaps they still do. However, it’s also fair to assume that the drama between Miller and Elias Pettersson hadn’t reached a boiling point like it has now.
Would the Rangers be open to going back to the Canucks with another offer centered around these two stars? And, would the Canucks be more inclined to talk deal with everything that has gone down over the past several weeks?
Next: Insider Says Tavares and Maple Leafs to Consider Rare Contract Idea
