Irma Zibanejad gives touching tribute to Chris Kreider on Instagram

The on-ice duo and off-ice bromance of Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad is no more.

The longest tenured member of the New York Rangers' roster was traded away to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Carey Terrance and a third-round pick (originally Toronto’s) in the 2025 NHL Draft. National Hockey League insider Frank Seravalli made the initial report on Tuesday. Ironically, Chris Kreider's first ever goal as a Ranger was assisted by Zibanejad. Kreider final assist ever? One that resulted in a goal being scored by Zibanejad.

It doesn't take the biggest Rangers fan to know that Kreider and Zibanejad had a real connection and friendship for the ages.

As a result, Irma – Zibanejad's wife — chimed in on her instagram in tribute to Kreider.

First, she shared the video tribute the Rangers' posted and commented "legend."

Next on her Instagram story she posted a picture of her and Kreider's wife — Francesca — holding their babies in matching Rangers' gear wearing their dads' numbers on their little backs. Next came the hit to the heart — in which Irma shared some words about how much Kreider and his family have meant to the Zibanejads.

"In the future, I will show Ella highlights of Uncle Chris and Daddy to teach her about chemistry and true feelings, and tell her to never settle for less," Irma wrote. "The Kreider's ... You are home forever. Friends for life. Family for a lifetime."

What's next for Zibanejad?

Kreider and Zibanejad were teammates for the last nine years and helped lead the Rangers to much success in that time. Per Larry Brooks of the New York Post, Rangers' General Manager and President Chris Drury kept veterans such as Zibanejad informed about the then-upcoming trade of Kreider.

Zibanejad recently faced a significant drop in his offensive production, particularly at 5-on-5 and also showed a lack of effort on the backcheck and an unfortunate habit of poor positioning in the defensive zone last season. Though, the Swedish center still managed to finish as the third team leader for the Rangers this year with 62 points across 42 assists and 20 goals.

He was much better after being moved to the wing, post J.T. Miller trade, and posted a line of 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 in 32 games after recording just 29 points in the 50 games prior.

Seeing how he plays next season without Kreider will undoubtedly prove to be a major turning point in Zibanejad's career with the Rangers, and could determine his fate with the franchise.