The New York Rangers are expected to make significant moves this offseason following a disappointing season.
This Rangers deal seems logical. The Rangers would receive two impactful NHL forwards, while the Canucks would land the best player in the trade — Zibanejad — along with a depth forward.
In this scenario, New York would acquire Conor Garland, who could help fill the gap left by Zibanejad. Garland is entering the final year of his five-year, $24.75 million contract next season. With 18 goals and 24 assists for 42 points in 70 games, he could serve as a solid middle-six forward for the Rangers.
The Rangers would also pick up Dakota Joshua, a bottom-six forward with three years remaining on his four-year, $13 million contract. This season, Joshua has recorded 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points in 46 games with Vancouver.
In exchange, the Rangers would trade Zibanejad, who has five years left on his eight-year, $68 million contract. He would become a first-line forward for the Canucks, providing a boost to their offense. Zibanejad has registered 15 goals and 34 assists for 49 points in 72 games this season.
Vancouver would also receive Brett Berard, a 22-year-old depth forward who could replace Joshua. Berard has contributed 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points in 28 games this season.
Rangers acquire:
Conor Garland
Dakota Joshua
Canucks acquire:
Mika Zibanejad
Brett Berard
Insider Expects Rangers to Pursue Zibanejad Trade
The New York Rangers are anticipated to make notable roster changes this offseason after an underwhelming campaign.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, one fan proposed a trade sending Mika Zibanejad to the Vancouver Canucks.
On paper, the trade appears reasonable. The Rangers would acquire two impactful NHL forwards, while the Canucks would land the best player in the deal — Zibanejad — along with a depth forward.
In this scenario, New York would receive Conor Garland, who could help offset the loss of Zibanejad. Garland is entering the final season of his five-year, $24.75 million contract and posted 18 goals and 24 assists for 42 points in 70 games. He could be a reliable middle-six forward for the Rangers.
The Rangers would also add Dakota Joshua, a bottom-six forward with three years remaining on his four-year, $13 million contract. This season, Joshua has recorded 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points in 46 games with Vancouver.
In return, the Rangers would trade Zibanejad, who has five years left on his eight-year, $68 million contract. He would slot in as a first-line forward for the Canucks, bolstering their offense. Zibanejad has tallied 15 goals and 34 assists for 49 points in 72 games this season.
Vancouver would also receive Brett Berard, a 22-year-old depth forward who could fill Joshua’s spot. Berard has contributed 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points in 28 games this season.
Rangers Battling for Playoff Spot
The New York Rangers currently find themselves outside of a playoff position, fighting for the final Wild Card spot.
Just a year ago, the Rangers held the best record in the NHL, but with a little over 10 games remaining this season, they’re now on the outside looking in. Defenseman Braden Schneider emphasized the urgency of the situation, stressing the importance of winning.
“At this point, we need wins if we’re going to accomplish anything,” Schneider said. “We can talk about putting in a good effort or playing a solid game, but it’s the end of the season, and we need those two points to make it count. Sure, we might’ve played better tonight than we did against Vancouver, but we won that game — and that’s what matters now.”
The Rangers currently sit at 34-32-6, just one point shy of a playoff spot.