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A look at the Zibanejad-Brassard trade 7 years later

By Marvin Azrak

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 18: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers during warm up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 18, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 18: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers during warm up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 18, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers celebrates his second-period goal against the New Jersey Devils in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2023, in New York, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers celebrates his second-period goal against the New Jersey Devils in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2023, in New York, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

A look at the Zibanejad-Brassard trade 7 years later: How the Rangers scored:

Fast forward seven years, and the trade remains a source of jubilation for Rangers fans. Zibanejad has flourished into a first-line center, amassing a staggering 455 points in 486 games as a Ranger. He even hit a career-high in assists (52) and points (91) in the 2022-23 season. Remember that sweet 8-year contract worth $8.5 million per season he signed in July 2017!

“The only thing I wanted to ensure is that they were right trading for me,” Zibanejad told the New York Post in 2019. “I think they’re happy.” Brass, I still think he’s a great player.” “I respect the guy. I like the way he’s played and the type of player he is. I don’t know if honor is the right word, but there is something special about getting traded for a guy like that. I respect him and have an appreciation for him.”

“I’m thankful for all the years and all the things we went through in Ottawa. Now here I am today. I feel like it was just different. The opportunity I’ve been given here, as well — not given to me, but making sure that I work for it and earn it. It’s been good.”

The second-round pick that Ottawa sent to New York ended up in Detroit’s hands after the Rangers traded it for defenseman Brendan Smith in 2017. The Red Wings selected Swedish center Jonatan Berggren 33rd overall in 2018, who made his NHL debut this past season.

The Senators watched helplessly as Zibanejad turned into one of the best centers in hockey. But there’s also a reason why Ottawa general manager Pierre Dorion acquired who he did. Let’s dive into the other end of the deal.

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