The New York Rangers are having a struggling season once again. They are last in the Metropolitan Division at the moment with a record of 21 wins, 22 regulation losses and six losses in extra time for 48 points. They are also winners of only two of their last 10 games.
When a team is struggling as much as they are, there are always questions whether or not the team’s top player should be on the trade block or not. Mika Zibanejad of Huddinge, Sweden has now been with the Rangers for a decade. He currently leads the Rangers in goals with 21.
Why would Zibanejad be on the trade block?
He has had defensive struggles the last two years. Zibanejad was a -22 in 2024-25, and is a -15 in 2025-26. That is a -37 over the last 130 games.
Tied a Rangers regular season record on Saturday
Zibanejad had a memorable game on Saturday as he tied the Rangers franchise record for most hat tricks in a regular season career with nine. The other Rangers player to have nine hat tricks in a regular season was Bill Cook of Brantford, Ontario. Cook had his nine hat tricks from 1927 to 1933.
Zibanejad’s latest three goal game came on Saturday came in a 6-3 Rangers win over the Philadelphia Flyers at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This was actually Zibanejad’s 10th career hat trick as he recorded one hat trick to begin his career while with the Ottawa Senators. Zibanejad had a hat trick earlier this month as he became the first player ever to score three goals in a NHL Winter Classic game. On January 2, Zibanejad scored thrice in a 5-1 Rangers win over the Florida Panthers at LoanDepot Park in Miami. Florida.
Zibanejad’s 2025-26 NHL statistics
Zibanejad has 21 goals and 25 assists for 46 points in 48 NHL regular games. He has eight penalty minutes, 19 power-play points, two shorthanded points, three game-winning goals, 133 shots on goal, 340 faceoff wins, 33 blocked shots, 70 hits, 21 takeaways and 68 giveaways.
Zibanejad’s contract status
The reason why Zibanejad is not expected to be on the move anytime soon is because of his contract with the Rangers at the moment. He is to make $8.5 million in each of the next four seasons, following this season where he is also making $8.5 million. At this time, it is unlikely Zibanejad will be moved unless the Rangers pay a portion of the contract.
