The New York Rangers finished fifth in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference with 39 wins, 36 losses, and 85 points. This performance was a fall from grace compared to their 2023-24 performance, when the Rangers came out on top of the rankings. A rebuild that kicked off in 2018 and peddled new hopes to the fans seemed to have failed. The Rangers’ 2018 message to their fans was loaded with emotion.
The team’s management seemed to take responsibility for failures but offered hope for a better future. In the same message, the Rangers seemed determined to go for a complete rebuild: “We will be focused on adding young, competitive players that combine speed, skill, and character.” GM Chris Drury has duly functioned to carry out the project. But as it turns out, a rebuild is easier said than done.
Why have the New York Rangers been Unsuccessful in Moving Mika Zibanejad?
The Rangers veteran Mika Zibanejad has been caught in the trade rumor vortex for quite some time now. However, Zibanejad’s wife clarified that the veteran center has no plans to leave the Rangers.
According to a New York Post report, Zibanejad’s wife had stated their decision to stay put in New York in an interview with Swedish media outlet Aftonbladet. “We just had Mika’s new coach (Mike Sullivan) here at our home; he flew over from New York recently. We also just got our new home in New York. I’m always shocked about how newspapers just spread things without considering the source.”
However, the trade rumors did not stop there. In a recent appearance on the “Campbell vs. Gallo” podcast, NHL insider David Pagnotta spoke up on Zibanejad’s future with the Rangers. Last season’s devastating performance added to the urgency of management’s decision to initiate a rebuild. Chris Kreider has already been dealt away to the Anaheim Ducks. It is clear that the Rangers want to add more young players, so what is the hiccup when it comes to striking a deal surrounding Zibanejad?
David Pagnotta: Zibanejad has a no move clause, and they’ve explored that around the league, but he’s been pretty adamant he doesn’t wanna move – Campbell vs Gallo (8/18)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) August 27, 2025
The veteran forward has a no-move clause, and he is exercising that to prolong his stay with the Rangers. Speaking on this, Pagnotta informed that the team’s management has tried its way around the no-move clause, but Zibanejad wishes to continue playing with the Rangers. “Zibanejad has a no-move clause, and they have explored that around the league, but he’s been pretty adamant that he doesn’t want to move. He wants to stay there.”
Read More: Insider’s Report Places Rangers’ $81.5M Russian Winger on Trade Block
A no-move clause is compromising the Rangers’ rebuilding plans, of all things. Zibanejad is signed to an eight-year, $68 million contract with the Rangers; whether the two parties can move past the deadlock and find a resolution remains to be seen.
