The Rangers' locker room was quieter than usual this week not just because their season ended early, but because big questions are starting to swirl. After a stunning playoff miss, fans are bracing for major changes. But Mika Zibanejad ? He’s not part of the exit plan. The veteran center is staying loyal to New York, shutting down any talk of walking away from the franchise he’s called home for nearly a decade.
Zibanejad stands firm on his $68 million contract and says he has no plans of going anywhere'
When asked directly about his future, Zibanejad didn’t hesitate. “I know what my contract says. Both parties agreed to it,” he told reporters, shutting down any speculation about him requesting a trade. The 32-year-old still has five more seasons left on his 8-year, $68 million deal, which includes a full no-movement clause. That means even if the Rangers wanted to make a big move involving Zibanejad, they’d need his approval, which he’s clearly not giving.
New York’s 2024–25 campaign ended with a disappointing 39-36-7 record, missing the playoffs by six points behind the Canadiens. After such a steep fall, fans are pointing fingers at the core: Zibanejad, Chris Kreider , Alexis Lafrenière but as of now, no one’s jumping ship. Zibanejad’s stance suggests he still believes in the group, or at least isn’t ready to abandon it yet.
Questions also surround Chris Kreider’s future as the Rangers enter a critical offseason
Zibanejad isn’t the only longtime Ranger under the microscope. His teammate and friend Chris Kreider has also been at the center of trade rumors. When asked whether Thursday night could’ve been their last game together, Zibanejad replied:
“You never know what’s gonna happen. We just try to go out there and enjoy it and try not to make it too big of a deal.”
It was a bittersweet moment for two players who’ve spent nearly a decade together in Rangers blue. But after a season where nearly every top player underperformed, many fans are ready to see core changes.
Also read - Connor McDavid’s wife Lauren Kyle shares life update but stays silent on his 100th point milestone
What comes next for the Rangers will depend on GM Chris Drury’s offseason decisions
Zibanejad’s loyalty is locked in, but everyone else? That’s up in the air. General manager Chris Drury now faces a pressure-cooker of an offseason, where he’ll have to decide whether to keep the core intact or make bold moves. With Zibanejad holding all the contractual power and Kreider under the microscope, this summer could define the future of the franchise.
Zibanejad stands firm on his $68 million contract and says he has no plans of going anywhere'
When asked directly about his future, Zibanejad didn’t hesitate. “I know what my contract says. Both parties agreed to it,” he told reporters, shutting down any speculation about him requesting a trade. The 32-year-old still has five more seasons left on his 8-year, $68 million deal, which includes a full no-movement clause. That means even if the Rangers wanted to make a big move involving Zibanejad, they’d need his approval, which he’s clearly not giving.
Mika Zibanejad said he has “no plans of going anywhere” and he has “invested a lot of years” in New York
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 17, 2025
(h/t @nypostsports) pic.twitter.com/HVZYxZE8kX
New York’s 2024–25 campaign ended with a disappointing 39-36-7 record, missing the playoffs by six points behind the Canadiens. After such a steep fall, fans are pointing fingers at the core: Zibanejad, Chris Kreider , Alexis Lafrenière but as of now, no one’s jumping ship. Zibanejad’s stance suggests he still believes in the group, or at least isn’t ready to abandon it yet.
Questions also surround Chris Kreider’s future as the Rangers enter a critical offseason
Zibanejad isn’t the only longtime Ranger under the microscope. His teammate and friend Chris Kreider has also been at the center of trade rumors. When asked whether Thursday night could’ve been their last game together, Zibanejad replied:
“You never know what’s gonna happen. We just try to go out there and enjoy it and try not to make it too big of a deal.”
It was a bittersweet moment for two players who’ve spent nearly a decade together in Rangers blue. But after a season where nearly every top player underperformed, many fans are ready to see core changes.
Also read - Connor McDavid’s wife Lauren Kyle shares life update but stays silent on his 100th point milestone
What comes next for the Rangers will depend on GM Chris Drury’s offseason decisions
Zibanejad’s loyalty is locked in, but everyone else? That’s up in the air. General manager Chris Drury now faces a pressure-cooker of an offseason, where he’ll have to decide whether to keep the core intact or make bold moves. With Zibanejad holding all the contractual power and Kreider under the microscope, this summer could define the future of the franchise.
You may also like
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tipped for sensational Man Utd return amid Ruben Amorim warning
Vladimir Putin orders Russia to STOP fighting in Ukraine in bombshell move from Kremlin
Scientists make huge discovery about 'dessert stomach' condition
Harry and Meghan in 'crisis' over Prince's 'totally unrealistic' royal plan
'Pure evil': Tesla whistleblower slams 'monster' Elon Musk and wants to drag him to court
