The offseason always brings speculation, and this year, Mika Zibanejad has been caught right in the middle of it. Talk around whether the New York Rangers’ center might be on his way out has been heating up, but according to his wife, Irma, it’s just that: talk.
Mika Zibanejad’s Wife Irma Zibanejad Calls Out False Reports
As reported by the New York Post, in a recent interview with Swedish outlet Aftonbladet, the former Swedish soccer player expressed her frustration with how quickly rumors can spiral, especially when there’s little truth behind them.
“We just had Mika’s new coach [Mike Sullivan] here at our home; he flew over from New York recently,” she said. “We also just got our new home in New York. I’m always shocked about how newspapers just spread things without considering the source.”
Much of the speculation started when the couple sold their West Village townhouse for $13 million earlier this year. That move raised eyebrows and led some to wonder whether Zibanejad was preparing to leave the city. However, the recent purchase of a new home and a personal visit from head coach Mike Sullivan paint a different picture.
According to Mollie Walker, Mike Sullivan flew to Sweden to meet with Mika Zibanejad recently.
With this development and his new house purchase, it seems like he will not be moved. Looks like we can thankfully put this to bed, for now. #NYR
— BaldPanarin™️ (@BaldPanarin) June 16, 2025
Zibanejad, 32, still has four years left on his eight-year, $68 million contract, signed in 2021. It includes a full no-move clause, meaning he can’t be traded unless he agrees to it. So far, there is no sign that he’s looking to go anywhere.
Offseason Changes Fueled Zibanejad Trade Rumors
The trade chatter did not come out of nowhere. After another early playoff exit, Rangers GM Chris Drury is expected to make some big changes. Arguably, the most significant change has already happened. Rangers veteran Chris Kreider, one of Zibanejad’s closest friends and a longtime teammate, was traded earlier this offseason to the Anaheim Ducks, waiving his no-move clause. That move opened the door to speculation that others could be next.
Zibanejad’s numbers last season, 62 points in 82 games, were solid, though not standout for someone in his role. That stat line added to the idea that the Rangers might be thinking about a bigger shakeup, and that Zibanejad’s time with the team could be up.
But Irma’s public comments have strongly refuted that idea. There’s no real evidence to suggest that Zibanejad is planning to leave New York. Between the visit from his new coach, the home purchase, and his contract status, everything points to him staying with the Rangers, at least for now.
