Since Mika Zibanejad joined the New York Rangers in 2016, there has been no Zibanejad without teammate and best friend Chris Kreider by his side. Until now.
Zibanejad's best friend and the longest tenured member of the Ranger 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 National Hockey League Draft. The pair have shared over 7,700 minutes together on ice and formed dynamic chemistry both on and off the ice.
MIKA WITH THE DRIVE.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 30, 2023
CHRIS KREIDER IN FRONT. pic.twitter.com/6cGK3woU3h
Throughout multiple playoff runs, Zibanejad and Kreider were linemates on the top line. In fact — during 2018-19 in the first-round series against Washington, their line combined for 11 goals 14 assists across seven games.
More recently in the 2022 playoffs, Kreider—centered by Zibanejad — became the Rangers’ all-time leader in playoff goals, playoff power-play goals, and playoff game-winning goals
Exactly one day after the news dropped and Zibanejad's wife also shared a message of her own, Zibanejad took to social media and told his friend Kreider farewell.
Zibanejad says goodbye
"I’m incredibly lucky to have had the pleasure of playing with you for almost 10 years, but that’s nothing compared to the pleasure of getting to know you and becoming best friends," Zibanajed wrote on Instagram. "You took me in from DAY 1. You’ve taught me everything in what it means to be a Ranger. You’ve always had my back no matter what. From being kids to having kids of our own. It’s a journey that doesn’t end here. This is a friendship for a lifetime, teammates or not. Me and my family will always be grateful for you and your family. Lastly, I just wanna wish you all the best in Anaheim. They’re lucky to have such an amazing player, person and teammate."
Zibanejad ended his post with the Swedish phrase "Alltid oavsett" which translates to "always regardless," meaning a loyalty that persists no matter any circumstance.
"This is a friendship for a lifetime, teammates or not."Mika Zibanejad on Chris Kreider
The 2025-26 season schedule has yet to be released by the NHL, Anaheim Ducks or New York Rangers. But one things for sure — all eyes will be on Kreider and Zibanejad when Anaheim takes on the Rangers.