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Mika Zibanejad’s Playoff Disappoinntment Is No Reason to Trade the Swedish Center

By Conor Power

May 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) and Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) face off during the first period in game five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) and Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) face off during the first period in game five of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports / Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports
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Mika Zibanejad did not have a good Conference Finals against the Florida Panthers. His underachievement was evident as he disappeared in the series, and many fans are unhappy with the Swedish centerman. While he had a series to forget, we have to understand that the Rangers' first-line center will be back next year. New York doesn't have the depth to move him, and he has trade protection, which would make it extremely hard to get a return justifiable for trading him.

With six more seasons carrying an $8.5 million cap hit until he turns 37, Zibanejad is coming to the point where the best days in his career are behind him. There's no reason to suspect that the Rangers will be able to move on from the big guy. The organization and its coaching staff must help Zibanejad overcome his struggles. There's no quick-fix trade that will make everything okay here. It will take work and dedication.

While Mika Zibanejad's performance this season may not have been his best, it's not the time for the Rangers to consider trading him. Selling him now, when his value is at its lowest, would not be a wise move. Instead, the team's focus should be on finding ways to maximize his output, which is something they will have the entire summer to consider.

Zibanejad will return next season, and we must come to terms with that. There's nothing we can do to change it. Feeling frustrated with his struggle against the Panthers is justified and vindicated. Still, there will be a new sunrise on Ranger hockey in October, and we will all be there to support the iconic Blueshirts as they look to get back to the championships we've all learned about in the past. The promised land isn't far away, and Zibanejad must be a significant part of reaching it.

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