Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafrenière May Not Be On The Trade Block After All

Two New York Rangers players that have surprisingly been thrown around in some trade rumors are Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafrenière. 

However, those rumors don't necessarily mean Zibanejad and Lafrenière are actively being shopped. 

From Zibanejad’s standpoint, it’s hard to imagine the Rangers even being able to trade him due to his $8.5 million AAV and full no-move clause. 

“Zibanejad, I haven’t heard his name out there to be honest,” NHL insider Frank Seravalli said. “I think that contract is a really difficult one to move and I think that he’s made it very clear that he doesn't have any interest in moving anyway. I think their best-case scenario is to put him in a better spot to succeed, which is why Mike Sullivan went to Sweden to see him.”

Fresh off of signing a seven-year, $52.15 million contract, Lafrenière has been mentioned in trade rumors due to the pure fact that he underperformed during the 2024-25 season. 

The 23-year-old forward still has a ton of upside though as it’s hard to imagine the Rangers giving up on him just yet. 

“Alexis Lafrenière, I also similarly have not heard his name,” said Seravalli. “The Rangers placed a huge bet on his game this season and so far in one year, it hasn’t paid off, but there’s still lots of time.”

Anything is possible, but Zibanejad and Lafrenière are more likely to stay put with the Blueshirts for the 2025-26 campaign.