HawkTalkChi

The Chicago Blackhawks are rumored to be eyeing Rangers veteran Mika Zibanejad, as New York reportedly looks to offload his $8.5M cap hit and reshape their roster.

Rangers considering Mika Zibanejad trade to free up cap space

After missing the postseason and watching Connor Bedard grow increasingly frustrated with losing, the Chicago Blackhawks may finally be leaning into action.

One name floated in NHL circles: Mika Zibanejad.

According to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, the New York Rangers have a proposal on the table—Zibanejad, with 20% of his salary retained, plus a second-round pick, would go to Chicago.

In return, the Blackhawks would send back “future considerations.”

The motive behind the move? Money. Zibanejad’s $8.5 million AAV contract, which runs through the 2029-30 season, is the fourth-highest on New York’s books.

With several internal deals escalating in cost and others still unsigned, Rangers GM Chris Drury may need to make a painful decision to create flexibility.

Zibanejad’s underwhelming season adds urgency to Rangers’ decision

Zibanejad has been a reliable top-six forward for years, but his production dipped in 2024-25. He managed 62 points (20G, 42A) in 82 games—a solid showing, but a step down for someone expected to drive offense.

Complicating matters, the Rangers acquired J.T. Miller midseason, who can take over center responsibilities alongside Vincent Trocheck. With their playoff window still open but tighter than ever, New York may not be able to afford sentimentality.

As Rob Couch of The Hockey News noted, the potential deal reads more like a financial chess move than a traditional hockey trade. For the Rangers, it’s about clearing space. For the Blackhawks, it could be about reshaping the culture.

Zibanejad’s experience could benefit Bedard immediately

From Chicago’s angle, this has less to do with Zibanejad’s current stat line and more to do with where the team is—and where it’s headed.

Bedard shouldered a brutal load last season, often with little veteran support.

Zibanejad, even if no longer a 70-point player, brings poise, leadership, and accountability.

He’s been through the grind. He’s played in big games. And if Davidson is looking to guide Bedard through the early chapters of his NHL life, adding someone like Zibanejad could be a stabilizing step.

The Blackhawks still have ample cap space and aren’t under pressure to win now. Taking on Zibanejad’s contract—especially with a high pick attached—could help accelerate the rebuild while protecting Bedard from burnout.

Deal not done, but conversation has clearly shifted

There’s no guarantee the trade gets across the finish line. Zibanejad has a no-movement clause, and there’s no word yet on whether he’d consider a move to a rebuilding team. But if he’s open to it—and if New York is serious about the proposal—Chicago may be wise to act.

Bedard needs help. And more than that, he needs proof the franchise is serious about changing. Zibanejad might not be the long-term answer—but he could be the bridge Chicago needs.