New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad addressed the trade speculation that has surrounded his name in recent weeks, making it clear that his focus remains on the Rangers' season.
In a report published Monday, The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta said that Zibanejad might consider leaving New York if the fit is right.
"Citing a source close to the Rangers, Zibanejad would be open to waiving his NMC for the right environment," Pagnotta wrote.
Speaking to The Athletic on Friday, Zibanejad downplayed the swirling rumors, calling them “noise” and emphasizing his commitment to the team despite their struggles this campaign.
“I haven’t heard anything,” Zibanejad said. “I don’t read anything, I don’t listen to anything. It’s noise.
”My focus has always been here. My focus has never been on anything else.”
New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) waits for a face-off.
Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The 31-year-old forward, a mainstay for the Rangers since the franchise traded for him in July 2016, is enduring a challenging season.
Through 37 games, Zibanejad has scored just seven goals and 22 points while posting a minus-22 rating.
Zibanejad's 2.0 points-per-60-minutes average is his worst since he joined the Rangers, and far from the 3.3 figure he averaged last season.
Speculation about Zibanejad's future in New York has ramped up as the Rangers retool was kickstarted in December with the trades of captain Jacob Trouba and former no. 2 overall pick Kaapo Kakko.
Zibanejad’s full no-movement clause, however, prevents the team from trading or waiving him without his consent. The forward made clear the importance of such clauses in contracts when speaking on Friday.
“It’s something that was negotiated and earned,” Zibanejad said. “There’s a reason why there are clauses like that. That’s what it is right now.“
The Rangers enter Saturday's matchup against the Washington Capitals with a 17-19-1 record and sitting outside the playoff picture, tied for last with 35 points in the Metropolitan Division, and five points behind the second wild-card position.
