The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively seeking to strengthen their roster by acquiring a middle-six center this offseason, with one prominent trade proposal suggesting they pursue Mika Zibanejad from the New York Rangers.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM trade tool, a suggested deal involves the Maple Leafs obtaining Zibanejad in exchange for forward Max Domi. This could mark a significant move for Toronto, aiming to secure Zibanejad as their second-line center. The 30-year-old Zibanejad is currently in the fourth year of an eight-year contract worth $68 million and has historically been a key player for the Rangers, recently achieving 20 goals and 42 assists over 82 games.
On the other hand, Domi had a challenging season, contributing just 8 goals and 25 assists in 74 games. With three years remaining on his contract, the Rangers could find Domi to be a versatile addition to their lineup as a second or third-line forward.
Recent insights from NHL insiders bolster the notion that a trade involving Zibanejad might be plausible. Jonas Siegel from The Athletic noted that with the Rangers potentially looking to move on from Zibanejad—and with a favorable cap situation for the Maple Leafs—the fit could be advantageous for both teams. He highlighted that while Zibanejad would not replicate the same intensity of players like Nazem Kadri, his offensive upside at 6 feet 2 inches tall and over 200 pounds offers a substantial benefit, particularly if he returns to form.
Additionally, Arthur Staple, also from The Athletic, pointed out that the Rangers’ leadership might view parting ways with Zibanejad as beneficial, especially in light of a roster reshuffle following a disappointing season. He emphasized the potential impact on cap flexibility and team culture by trading Zibanejad, who is recognized as a one-time NHL All-Star.
This potential trade, if realized, could significantly enhance the Maple Leafs’ depth at center and contribute to their overall scoring capabilities. With Zibanejad’s proven ability to be a point-per-game player, his addition could inject a new level of performance into Toronto’s lineup, reinforcing their aim to become a serious contender in the league.
Overall, fans might find optimism in the prospect of Zibanejad joining the Maple Leafs, as it demonstrates the team’s commitment to improvement and ambition to capitalize on the upcoming season.