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Rangers to Play Zibanejad or Laviolette Card, More Trades Coming
As the New York Rangers slide continues trade speculation is picking up surrounding Mika Zibanejad as is the job security of the head coach.
The New York Rangers free fall continues. There is dysfunction inside the organization from top to bottom. There has been turmoil since the summer as general manager Chris Chris Drury has tried to reshape the roster. He tried to move Jacob Trouba at the 2024 NHL Draft. That move was unsuccessful. However, that did not stop Drury from exploring the market.
Even as the Rangers got off to a good start of 12-4-1, Drury made it known that he wanted to still move out Trouba along with Chris Kreider and Kaapo Kakko. The Rangers ended up trading Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. Most recently, New York traded Kakko to the Seattle Kraken. Those moves did not help the vibe in the room, and the fall continued.
Mika Zibanejad’s Name Gaining Steam
However, Drury and the Rangers may not be done making moves. According to Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period on a recent episode of The Latest, the Rangers are poised to make another move, and a name to keep an eye on is Mika Zibanejad.
Pagnotta explained:
But we’ve been hearing over the last few days, since the holiday freeze lifted, that the New York Rangers continue to explore the trade market and different types of moves that they could potentially make. We’ve reported previously that K’Andre Miller‘s name is out there, and he’s a player that has generated interest. We know Reilly Smith is out there. We already know Chris Kreider is out there as well. An interesting name to look at is Mika Zibanejad.
Noting that Zibanejad has a full no-movement clause, he’s got five more years left on his contract at $8.5 million. Pagnotta says that his sources have shared their belief that Zibanejad would be willing to waive his no-movement clause for the right environment.
“I don’t think they’ve had formal discussions to this point regarding that, or I don’t think the Rangers have asked to this point where he would consider going. But it sounds like if the Rangers find the right deal, that would be a consideration for Mika Zibanejad to consider a move out of New York.”
This is not the first time Zibanejad’s name has come up in trade speculation. NHLTradeTalk.com wrote via Marco D’Amico of RG, who was told via a source close to the situation that Zibanejad’s name is out there. “They’re not necessarily trying to get rid of him, but they let guys know he could be available at the right price.”
That is similar to what Pagnotta reported. If the right price is there, the Rangers would ask Zibanejad to consider a trade.
Head Coach on the Hot Seat Too
In addition to the Rangers moving out players, Head Coach Peter Laviolette is on hot seat watch in New York. Usually, when a slide continues, the coach takes the fall. We have seen that already in the NHL this season. Laviolette guided the Rangers to the Presidents Trophy and an appearance in the Eastern Conference Final last season.
However, if things don’t turn around, his time in New York could come to an end quickly. Pagnotta said Laviolette could be one of the significant changes the Rangers decide to pull off now that the Holiday Freeze is over.
Based on some of the reports over the last 48 hours, it sounds like more major changes are on the horizon for the New York Rangers. The earlier vote of confidence given to Laviolette behind the bench has changed with their recent free fall. While it is believed to be primarily roster-driven. a coaching change may be inevitable. According to the New York Post, Larry Brooks there is a move coming.
If things do not turn around and the club continues to look lifeless, he’ll have to play a card sooner rather than later. However, if Drury plays that card, should he be looking for a new job?
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