Rumors continue to intensify around Mika Zibanejad and a possible link with the Montreal Canadiens, and it is not without reason.
The name of the star player of the New York Rangers frequently comes up in discussions, especially since Jeff Gorton, who acquired him from New York, now occupies a central place in the CH’s hockey operations.
Interestingly, The Athletic, a media outlet known for its credibility, has just revealed that Zibanejad’s contract would be “nearly impossible to trade” for the Rangers, a contract which appears to have become an unwanted liability for them.
For the Canadiens, this could represent a golden opportunity, especially if the Rangers are willing to explore options to reduce their payroll.
Zibanejad, at 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, could finally bring some talent to a team that is collapsing offensively.
We’re still talking about a player who amassed 688 points in 859 career games.
This season, he amassed 10 points in 12 games (only two goals), which disappointed the Rangers management.
He remains the Rangers’ primary center, but plays at the point on the power play.
What makes this rumor captivating is the question of whether the CH could take advantage of the Rangers’ situation.
At $8.5 million per year until 2030, Zibanejad’s contract is seen as a burden for the Rangers.
But is he really “undesirable” for a team like the Canadian, which seeks to accelerate the reconstruction?
A center of Zibanejad’s caliber, always productive and experienced, could offer Montreal an essential offensive pillar.
So, could Kent Hughes and the CH seize this opportunity to strengthen their team despite Zibanejad’s salary burden?
The Rangers are reportedly looking for a center younger than Zibanejad and New York media are saying that if the team doesn’t win the Stanley Cup this year, the center will leave via trade this summer.
Is it time to deal Kirby Dach to the Rangers?
The idea of getting top-tier center Mika Zibanejad may seem appealing to the Montreal Canadiens. But let’s be realistic.
The Canadian is engaged in a development phase focused on youth and long-term growth.
The addition of a player like Zibanejad might not align with this strategy, especially since the CH is so far advanced in its reconstruction.
His contract, worth an annual value of $8.5 million until 2030, could limit the financial flexibility necessary to develop and retain the young “prodigies” of the CH.
Demidov is going to end up being very, very expensive. Jacob Fowler too. Michael Hage too.
Additionally, bringing in a veteran at this point could hamper the playing time and development of the team’s young prodigy centers. (perhaps James Hagens, the future Jack Hughes?)
Canadiens management has expressed its commitment to a patient rebuild, without rushing the process by adding established players who might not fit the long-term vision.
Zibanejad would be contrary to that mentality, even if the idea of having such talent is appealing.
Now is definitely not the time to panic in the transaction market.
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