The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to bolster their offensive lineup to fill the void left by Mitch Marner, who is likely to depart in free agency.
The Maple Leafs might target other free agents, but they’re also considering trade options. According to NHL insider Arthur Staple of The Athletic, Toronto has shown interest in acquiring Mika Zibanejad from the New York Rangers.
“There’s a possibility that Drury has already come to an agreement with Zibanejad—who has five years left on his contract at an \$8.5 million AAV and a full no-move clause—that parting ways would be the right move,” Staple wrote. “The Leafs could be a potential suitor, as they have both interest and roster space to address. However, trading away Kreider’s closest friend shortly after moving Kreider himself would bring about the cap relief and cultural shift Drury is aiming for.”
“Still, Zibanejad controls his own fate and, prior to the season’s conclusion, showed no signs of wanting out,” Staple noted. “Among the bold moves Drury might make in the near future, trading Zibanejad could benefit the Rangers the most—particularly with J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck already locked into center roles. New York could then explore the more affordable winger options in free agency, rather than trying to replace a top-six center directly.”
Zibanejad could fill a key need for Toronto as their second-line center. He still has five years remaining on his eight-year, \$68 million contract. Although he had a down year last season, the Maple Leafs would be counting on him to bounce back to his previous level of play.
The Swedish forward tallied 20 goals and 42 assists, totaling 62 points over the course of 82 games last season.
Maple Leafs GM Looking to Shake Up Core
“We need to figure out how to break through when it matters most—that’s the challenge ahead,” Treliving stated. “We’ve got a strong team, and over the past year, we’ve already made a number of changes.”
“There will be changes ahead—that’s simply part of the business,” Treliving continued. “We have to keep evolving, both in our mentality and our roster, to build a team that can perform at its best when it matters most. There’s a fundamental aspect of our team’s DNA that needs to shift. If you keep ending up with the same result, even if there’s been a lot of good along the way, something core needs to change. That responsibility falls on me and our staff moving forward.”
The Maple Leafs are expected to lose Mitch Marner in free agency and may also consider trading other key members of their core as they look to reshape the roster.
Zibanejad Spoke to Rangers Coach Amid Trade Rumors
Although Mika Zibanejad has been mentioned in trade rumors, he’s expressed a desire to remain with the Rangers.
He recently had a conversation with newly appointed head coach Mike Sullivan to discuss his prospective role within the team moving forward.
“Obviously, I’m excited to have a coach like that,” Zibanejad said. “He’s achieved a lot. We had a brief phone conversation, and I’m sure we’ll talk more over the summer as we get to know each other better.”
Zibanejad has been with the Rangers for the past nine seasons.
