IT IS DONE: New York Rangers Right winger Mika Zibanejad is the odd man out for new York Rangers now with Edmonton oilers also sent a message to new York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan concerning….see more

The New York Rangers’ offseason has taken a stunning turn as longtime right winger and alternate captain Mika Zibanejad has reportedly become the “odd man out” in the team’s evolving strategy under new head coach Mike Sullivan. Sources close to the organization say that tensions surrounding role clarity, cap space, and the team’s shifting focus have led to serious internal discussions about moving on from the veteran star.

Adding to the shockwave? The Edmonton Oilers — fresh off their 2025 Stanley Cup Final appearance — have formally contacted the Rangers’ front office and sent a direct message to Mike Sullivan, expressing strong interest in acquiring Zibanejad in a trade that could shake up the balance of power in the NHL.

Zibanejad’s Shifting Role in New York

Zibanejad has been a staple of the Rangers organization since arriving via trade from the Ottawa Senators in 2016. Once the heart and soul of the Rangers’ top line, the 32-year-old Swede has provided years of elite scoring, power play brilliance, and locker room leadership. But with the rise of younger forwards like Alexis Lafrenière, Brennan Othmann, and the emergence of Filip Chytil as a reliable top-six center, the forward hierarchy in New York is shifting.

Under Mike Sullivan — brought in after the Rangers dismissed Peter Laviolette in May — the emphasis has been on speed, defensive structure, and two-way discipline. Sullivan, known for maximizing systems over star power during his championship runs in Pittsburgh, has reportedly had multiple conversations with the front office about retooling the forward core to better fit his blueprint.

“Mika Zibanejad is still a top-six forward in the NHL,” said NHL analyst Kevin Weekes. “But under Sullivan’s system, the question is whether he’s the right top-six forward. And at a $8.5 million cap hit for the next three seasons, the Rangers may be looking to cash out while there’s still market demand.”

Edmonton Oilers Enter the Chat

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Edmonton Oilers reached out directly to the Rangers’ front office this past weekend — and took the unusual step of addressing a message directly to head coach Mike Sullivan.

That message, according to multiple sources, included praise for Zibanejad’s two-way game, leadership, and playoff experience. But it also conveyed urgency.

“If Mika Zibanejad is no longer part of your vision,” the Oilers reportedly wrote, “we are ready to talk. We believe he’s the final piece.”

The Oilers, led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, fell just short of hoisting the Cup in 2025, losing in six games to the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite their explosive offense, Edmonton’s Achilles’ heel in the Finals was a lack of reliable secondary scoring and defensive responsibility among their forwards.

Zibanejad — a proven playoff performer and two-way threat — fits that need perfectly.

Potential Trade Package

While the details remain speculative, insiders suggest a framework for a Zibanejad-to-Edmonton deal could involve:

• Ryan McLeod – A versatile 3C with speed and upside

• Philip Broberg – Former first-round pick, puck-moving defenseman

• 2026 1st-round pick – Top-12 protected

• Salary retention by the Rangers (up to 20%) to help facilitate cap compliance

Such a move would give the Rangers both immediate roster depth and future assets, while allowing them to move into a younger, faster, more system-focused direction.

“The Rangers want to avoid another ‘win-now at all costs’ trap,” said Rangers beat reporter Mollie Walker. “They’re not rebuilding, but they are recalibrating.”

Mike Sullivan’s Influence

Sullivan, brought in to instill accountability and playoff pedigree, is reportedly aligned with GM Chris Drury on the idea of reshaping the roster. While Sullivan has not publicly commented on Zibanejad’s future, his fingerprints are already all over this offseason’s activity.

“The message from Sullivan is clear,” said The Athletic’s Arthur Staple. “If you’re not going to play a 200-foot game, if you’re not adaptable, you might be on the move.”

Insiders say the Oilers’ message didn’t go unnoticed. Sullivan is said to have “great respect” for Zibanejad but remains focused on finding players who fit his structure over name recognition.

The Locker Room Angle

Zibanejad remains a beloved figure in the Rangers dressing room, and any trade would send emotional shockwaves. Captain Jacob Trouba, who has had a close relationship with Mika over the years, declined to comment when asked about the rumors, saying only:

“Mika’s been a leader here for a long time. If something’s happening, that’s above my pay grade. But I’ve got nothing but respect for him.”

Other players, speaking anonymously, expressed surprise but acknowledged that the team “feels different” under Sullivan — and that no one’s role is guaranteed anymore.

Edmonton’s Title Chase

For the Oilers, this is all about capitalizing on their Stanley Cup window. With McDavid and Draisaitl both in their primes and with Leon set to become a free agent in 2027, the pressure to win now is at an all-time high.

“Adding Zibanejad to their top six gives them one of the most dynamic forward groups in the league,” said NHL Network’s Mike Rupp. “You put him on a line with either McDavid or Draisaitl, and that’s a nightmare for opposing defenses.”

A potential power play unit of McDavid, Draisaitl, Zibanejad, Evan Bouchard, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins would be arguably the most dangerous in hockey.

What Comes Next?

League sources say talks are still “early but serious.” Edmonton has made their position clear. Now, the ball is in the Rangers’ court.

If a deal gets done, it will mark the end of an era in New York — one that saw Mika Zibanejad grow from a promising trade acquisition to an All-Star, fan favorite, and heart of the franchise. But in professional sports, sentiment often loses to strategy.

“This is about fit and future,” said former GM Brian Burke. “Sullivan’s system demands buy-in — and if Zibanejad doesn’t perfectly align with it, you move while his value is still high.”

Final Thoughts

Mika Zibanejad has given nearly a decade to the New York Rangers. He’s scored clutch goals, battled through adversity, and served as a face of the franchise during its transition from rebuild to contender. But in 2025, the NHL is moving faster than ever — and so are the Rangers.

With Edmonton circling and Mike Sullivan shaping a new vision, Zibanejad may soon find himself in Oilers blue and orange — chasing a Stanley Cup alongside the league’s two most dangerous offensive forces.

One thing is clear: