The Montreal Canadiens are in the thick of the playoff race and could look to strengthen their roster before the trade deadline.
This hypothetical trade would give Montreal a top-tier forward to boost their lineup, while New York gains a promising prospect and three draft picks to support their rebuild.
For New York, the trade package includes three 2025 draft picks—one in the first round and another in the second—as well as Filip Mesar. Selected 26th overall in the 2022 NHL Draft, Mesar is currently playing in the AHL, where he has recorded two goals and seven assists in 25 games. He could either develop within the Rangers’ system or be used as a trade chip for future acquisitions.
Zibanejad is currently in the third year of an eight-year, $68 million contract with the Rangers. If acquired, he would slot in as Montreal’s top or second-line center, providing much-needed offensive production. So far this season, he has tallied 13 goals and 31 assists for 44 points in 60 games. As part of the proposed deal, the Rangers would retain $1 million of his annual salary, increasing their return in assets.
PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, which allows fans to create trade scenarios, featured a proposal suggesting the Canadiens acquire Mika Zibanejad from the New York Rangers.
Proposed Trade:
Canadiens receive:
- Mika Zibanejad ($1 million salary retained)
Rangers receive:
- Filip Mesar
- 2025 first-round pick (Calgary’s)
- 2025 second-round pick (Pittsburgh’s)
- 2025 seventh-round pick
Rangers Considered Trading Zibanejad
Amid a challenging season, the Rangers reportedly explored moving Zibanejad earlier in the year. However, the veteran center dismissed the trade speculation.
“I haven’t heard anything,” Zibanejad said. “I don’t read anything, I don’t listen to anything. It’s just noise.”
Zibanejad also has a no-trade clause, giving him control over any potential move.
“That’s something that was negotiated and earned,” he explained. “There’s a reason why those clauses exist. But I don’t think about it—I’m focused on what we have in front of us.”
Despite the trade chatter, Zibanejad remains committed to the Rangers, acknowledging that speculation intensifies when the team struggles.
Canadiens Players Want Team to Stay Competitive
With Montreal sitting at 29-26-5 and just three points out of a playoff spot, players are hoping management either adds reinforcements or holds steady at the deadline.
Jake Evans, Joel Armia, and David Savard have all been mentioned as potential trade candidates, but veteran forward Brendan Gallagher hopes the front office resists selling.
“We know where we are in the standings,” Gallagher said. “It’s close, and we have games against teams we’re chasing. If we take care of business, we’ll be right there.”
He emphasized the importance of consistency in the playoff race.
“We’re three points out. A good week puts us right back in it. Every point matters.”