According to a recent reports, the Chicago Blackhawks are heavily interested in adding some solid veteran players to their roster this offseason, and New York Rangers star forward is reportedly the perfect player they are looking for.![Mika Zibanejad vs the Blackhawks]()
The New York Rangers and the Chicago Blackhawks both managed to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs this past season, resulting in both organizations looking to make some drastic changes this offseason.
A recent report has surfaced from an Rangers Insider, Arthur Staple of The Athletic, that suggests a proposed blockbuster trade between the two Original-Six organizations. A trade where the New York Rangers would end up dealing star forward Mika Zibanejad to the Blackhawks.
Along with that, Rob Couch of The Hockey News, broke down what the potential trade would look like:
Break down of a potential trade between the Rangers and Blackhawks
Here's what Couch believes the trade could look like between the two teams:
This would see the Rangers trade Mika Zibanejad (20% retained) to the Blackhawks along with a second-round pick in exchange for future considerations. So, it would be a cap dump as Zibanejad will be the fourth highest paid player on the team at $8.5 million AAV next season and there are a number of contracts that are jumping up in price, including the ones that aren't yet signed.
Even though Zibanejad has been a long-time productive top-6 center, he didn't have a great season for the Rangers and the team brought in J.T. Miller who can now play center in the top-6 with Vincent Trocheck.
He's not wrong as he stats Zibanejad didn't have the best season. However, nothing has been stated as to what the New York Rangers would get in return the trade. With the Rangers missing the playoffs this season after just winning the President Trophy the year prior.
Mika Zibanejad finished with 62 points (20G, 42A) in all 82 games, and carries a considerable contract of an AAV (average annual value) of $8.5 million, along with a full no-movement clause, so if this trade were to happen Zibanejad would be the one to make it happen.
