As the Toronto Maple Leafs look to solidify their roster ahead of the NHL trade deadline, analyst Nick Alberga of The Leafs Nation has urged the team to target New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad.
With Toronto seeking additional center depth, per multiple reports, Zibanejad’s skill set and potential availability could make him a perfect fit in Toronto.
“On Monday, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman caused a bit of a stir when he disclosed on Sportsnet Radio in Toronto that it’s his understanding that the Leafs’ preference is to acquire a center with term between now and the trade deadline," Alberga wrote. "Chris Drury and the New York Rangers should enter the chat.
"It would be a complicated deal to put together, but at the very least, I think the Leafs should inquire about Mika Zibanejad’s availability.”
New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) at Madison Square Garden
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The 31-year-old Swede, who is in the third year of an eight-year, $68 million contract with a full no-move clause (NMC), could be willing to waive his clause for the team, facilitating a trade.
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported on Monday that Zibanejad "would be open to waiving his NMC for the right environment."
Zibanejad has struggled this season, tallying just six goals and 15 assists in 36 games. Despite this, Alberga sees the veteran as a potential difference-maker for Toronto and a perfect fit for the second forward line.
“He’s big, he’s dynamic, he shoots right, and maybe most notably, he’s not a ghost in the postseason,” Alberga continued, mentioning Zibanejad’s 63 points in 74 career playoff games.
The Rangers’ disappointing season has already seen the franchise deal former captain Jacob Trouba and former no. 2 overall pick Kaapo Kakko away in trades, so nothing should be considered untouchable at this point.
For Toronto, Zibanejad could slot in as a second-line center, potentially pushing John Tavares to the third line come playoff time.
However, as Alberga acknowledged, a trade would be challenging given the Leafs’ tight cap situation with Toronto only having $1.3 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia.
"From a pure salary cap point of view, a deal of this magnitude would be hard to put together in-season," Alberga added. "That said, I don’t think it’s impossible. Stranger things have happened in this weird NHL world.
"At this point, there’s no question that Zibanejad’s in dire need of a change of scenery. You never know unless you call."
