Is Mika Zibanejad’s time with the Rangers coming to an end after unexpected $13 million decision?

Heading into this past season, the New York Rangers were seen as a genuine Stanley Cup threat in the Eastern Conference, but with drama and struggles both on and off the ice, this team missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs all together.

According to reports, Zibanejad recently sold his West Village townhouse for $13 million, and while this may simply be him moving within New York, given how unhappy he appeared and how frustrated the team were with him, it’s hard not to read between the lines here.

While the goals (20) and points (62) over 82 games don’t look too bad for No. 93, the one number that stands out in his situation this year was the -22 differential, and with many attacks on his defensive and overall effort, it’s safe to say that the Rangers will explore a trade if they can.

With $8.5 million a season owed to him for the next five years, it’s tough to see a team taking him on unless they are being given a massive sweetener or the Rangers retain salary throughout the remainder of the contract, so while a trade early in the off-season is highly unlikely, don’t be shocked to see talks heat up in the coming months.