With Mitch Marner’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs growing murkier, the team appears to be exploring its next move and it could be a big one. NHL insiders link Toronto in a possible trade deal with the New York Rangers for center Mika Zibanejad, potentially signaling a major shift in Toronto’s top six ahead of free agency.
Toronto Maple Leafs Eye Mika Zibanejad Amid Mitch Marner Exit Rumors
Marner trade chatter has heated up, and signs point toward an inevitable split. Reports suggest both the Maple Leafs’ front office and key players like Auston Matthews have accepted the likelihood of Marner walking.
He reportedly hasn’t entertained any serious contract talks and, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, seems set on testing the open market.
“The Maple Leafs have tried to talk to Marner…Marner’s camp is not engaged with them,” Friedman wrote. “He’s going to hit the market.”
That leaves the Maple Leafs with a need for a high-end replacement for Marner. They need someone with skill, leadership, and experience. That’s a good recipe when looking at Zibanejad.
The 32-year-old Swede fits the mold of what the Maple Leafs need: A proven scorer with a strong two-way game. He’s under contract with the Rangers through 2030 on an eight-year, $68 million deal with a full no-movement clause.
According to multiple reports, the Rangers have already asked him to consider waiving it, and Toronto has been mentioned as a team of interest.
There are rumours that Chris Drury is trying to make a trade involving Mika Zibanejad. 32 years old center has a contract for 5 next seasons with an AAV of $8.5M. Is there another GM who will help Drury? pic.twitter.com/s3LWVFtBL3
— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) June 14, 2025
Zibanejad hasn’t publicly requested a trade. After another Stanley Cup Playoff letdown, Rangers general manager Chris Drury is reportedly re-evaluating the roster. The Rangers have already begun making moves, parting ways with Jacob Trouba, Kaapo Kakko, and, most recently, veteran winger Chris Kreider, with Trouba and Kreider now playing for the Anaheim Ducks.
Should Zibanejad become available, the Maple Leafs are said to be ready to pounce.
Zibanejad’s Profile Fits Leafs’ Needs at Center
Zibanejad brings a lot to the table. He has racked up 740 points in 930 career games. In the playoffs, he has 63 points over 74 contests, a solid postseason track record for a player who can move into any role.
His right-handed shot, size, and versatility would be valuable in new Toronto head coach Craig Berube’s system. Analysts believe he could center a line with William Nylander or allow John Tavares to move to the wing or down to the third line to create better matchup depth.
Any deal for Zibanejad would take some maneuvering. His $8.5 million cap hit is steep, and the Leafs’ books are already tight. One rumored scenario involves Max Domi going the other way in a straight swap, possibly with salary retained on New York’s end. It’s a bold idea, but Zibanejad could be worth the gamble.
The Maple Leafs’ level of pursuit hinges largely on Marner’s fate. If he’s moved or leaves in free agency, then the team must act fast to avoid a hole in their top six.
Zibanejad isn’t a blockbuster name like Marner, but he’s a consistent producer who could stabilize the Leafs’ core. With the Rangers shifting gears and the Leafs eyeing a revamp under Berube, this could be the kind of move that changes the outlook for both franchises.
