The Montreal Canadiens are in the thick of the playoff race and may look to strengthen their roster ahead of the trade deadline.
Using PuckPedia’s PuckGM tool, one fan proposed a trade in which Montreal would acquire Mika Zibanejad from the New York Rangers.
Proposed Trade:
Canadiens receive:
- Mika Zibanejad ($1 million retained)
Rangers receive:
- Filip Mesar
- 2025 first-round pick (Calgary’s)
- 2025 second-round pick (Pittsburgh’s)
- 2025 seventh-round pick
This potential deal would give Montreal a proven star forward to bolster their lineup, while New York would add a promising prospect and three future draft picks to aid their rebuild.
Zibanejad is in the third year of his eight-year, $68 million contract and would immediately slot in as Montreal’s first or second-line center, adding much-needed offensive firepower. He has recorded 13 goals and 31 assists for 44 points in 60 games this season. If the deal were to happen, the Rangers would retain $1 million of Zibanejad’s salary annually, further increasing their return.
For the Rangers, this trade would yield three 2025 draft picks, including a first and second-rounder. They would also acquire Filip Mesar, the 26th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, who currently plays in the AHL with 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists) in 25 games. Mesar could either develop in New York’s system or be used as a trade asset for future moves.
Rangers Previously Explored Moving Zibanejad
With New York struggling this season, they reportedly considered trading Zibanejad earlier in the year. However, the veteran center said he paid no attention to the rumors.
“I haven’t heard anything,” Zibanejad said. “I don’t read anything, I don’t listen to anything. It’s just noise.”
Zibanejad has a no-trade clause, giving him control over any potential move.
“It’s something that was negotiated and earned,” he explained. “There’s a reason for clauses like that. But I’m focused on being here. My focus has never been elsewhere.”
He acknowledged that trade speculation tends to rise when a team is struggling, especially in a market like New York.
Canadiens Players Hoping for Stability at the Deadline
With Montreal in the playoff hunt, players are hopeful the team won’t sell at the deadline. Trade candidates include Jake Evans, Joel Armia, and David Savard, but veteran forward Brendan Gallagher hopes the team holds firm.
“We’re aware of the standings,” Gallagher said. “We’re not far off. We have some key games coming up, and every point matters.”
The Canadiens currently hold a 29-26-5 record and are three points out of a playoff spot.
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