In a recent article on Blue Line Station, we addressed speculation from Elliotte Friedman suggesting that the New York Rangers had been discussing trades with the Ottawa Senators. I speculated that this was probably about someone like Ryan Lindgren, but then I touched on a player swap idea that, given a little more thought, could be something more significant for the Blueshirts. Let's revisit the concept of a Mika Zibanejad - Joshua Norris player swap.
Let's start with Mika. The Ottawa Senators originally drafted Zibanejad sixth overall back in 2011. He always struggled to develop in Ottawa. Eventually, the Senators opted to move him for a player in Derrick Brassard, who was more of a solution then. Since then, Zibanejad has become a destroyer of worlds as a centerman in New York and the Rangers' centerpiece on a dominant powerplay. Passing 90 points in 2022-23 and passing the point-per-game mark twice more as a Blueshirt, Zibanejad has become a great player.
The issue is that Mika's starting to show signs of decline. Just 26 goals and 46 assists last season for 72 points in 81 games saw Mika slow down a touch. That's continued into this season with just five goals and 13 assists for 18 points in 24 games. That's not enough from a man who makes $8.5 million annually against the cap until 2030. Five more years with that decline is unacceptable.
Conversely, Joshua Norris has endured his issues throughout his career. Initially drafted by the San Jose Sharks, Norris was traded to the Senators for Erik Karlsson. He got to Ottawa and broke through in a big way, putting up 50 points in 66 games. He was awarded an eight-year-long contract, $7.95 million a year. He's in year three of that deal, and it is not aging well.
Since signing that deal, Norris has sustained several significant injuries, keeping him out of the lineup. He played just eight games in year one of that deal, scoring two goals and picking up an assist. He followed that up with 50 games last year, putting up 16 goals and 14 assists for 30 points. This year, his struggles have continued. He has played 24 games and has just nine goals and six assists for 15 points. That needs to be better for the amount of money he's making.
Why does New York make this deal?
Norris is still just 25 years old. Even Zibanejad didn't start to perform until he was 25 and here in New York. A change of scenery for Norris may give him a better mindset. There's also the conversation about better medical facilities available in New York since it's a wealthier organization and doesn't count against the salary cap. Getting Norris healthy and finding a way to keep him healthy could unlock a player that once flashed unbelievable potential.
New York would also save about $600,000 against the cap. Knowing that Zibanejad's best years are behind him and that a young, explosive centerman like Josh Norris would freshen up the stagnating locker room for the Rangers would be a good change for the organization. New York is looking for a new voice and a different personality. Norris fits that.
Why does Ottawa consider this deal?
I said that Mika's best years are behind him and Norris is significantly younger, both of which are true. But to this point, Zibanejad is the better player. We can discuss whether or not Norris can adjust to reach the levels that Zibanejad is at now, but you're getting more certainty with Zibanejad than you are with Norris. That's important for a franchise that hasn't been to the postseason in almost a decade.