The Toronto Maple Leafs are aiming to boost their offense to fill the gap left by Mitch Marner, who is expected to depart in free agency.
While the Leafs might target other free agents, they are also considering trades. NHL insider Arthur Staple from The Athletic revealed that Toronto is interested in acquiring Mika Zibanejad from the New York Rangers.
“There’s a possibility that Drury has already discussed with Zibanejad—who has five years left on his contract at an $8.5 million average annual value and a full no-move clause—that a move might be best. They would still need to find the right fit,” Staple explained. “The Leafs may have some interest and need to fill that role. However, trading Zibanejad soon after dealing away his close friend Kreider would significantly impact both cap space and team culture, which Drury is trying to manage carefully.
“Ultimately, Zibanejad holds the decision power and showed no signs before the season ended that he wanted to leave,” Staple added. “Of all the major moves Drury might make soon, this one benefits the Rangers the most, especially since J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck have solidified two of their center positions. The Rangers could replace Zibanejad on the wing through free agency, where they can find more affordable options than a top-six center.”
Zibanejad would likely fill Toronto’s need for a second-line center. He remains under contract for five more seasons as part of an eight-year, $68 million deal. Although he had a challenging season last year, the Maple Leafs would be hoping he returns to his previous form.
Last season, the Swedish forward scored 20 goals and contributed 42 assists, totaling 62 points in 82 games.
Maple Leafs GM Looking to Shake Up Core
Toronto experienced yet another disappointing playoff run and is expected to make significant roster changes as a result.
Following the team’s postseason elimination, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving acknowledged that the team’s core identity needs to be reworked, hinting at notable shakeups.
“We need to find a way to perform at our best during the most crucial moments. That’s the challenge ahead,” Treliving said. “We’ve made a lot of changes over the past year, and we’ll continue to do so.”
“There will be more change—it’s just part of the business,” he continued. “We need to keep evolving, both in terms of our mindset and our roster, to be at our best when it matters most. Some foundational elements of our team’s identity need to shift. If the outcome keeps repeating itself, something at the core has to change. That responsibility falls on me and our staff.”
With Mitch Marner likely departing in free agency, Toronto may also look to move other core players in an effort to reset the team’s direction.
Zibanejad Spoke to Rangers Coach Amid Trade Rumors
Even though Mika Zibanejad’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, he’s hoping to remain with the Rangers.
He recently spoke with new head coach Mike Sullivan about his potential role moving forward.
“I’m obviously excited to have a coach like that,” Zibanejad said. “He’s been very successful. We had a brief phone call, and I’m sure we’ll talk more throughout the summer as we get to know each other better.”
Zibanejad has been with the Rangers for the past nine seasons.
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