New York Rangers announced on Sunday morning that the club has agreed to terms with center Mike Zibanejad on an eight-year contract extension.
General manager and president Chris Drury made the announcement New York Rangers fans have been waiting for, the club has agreed to term on an eight-year extension with Mika Zibanejad.
“Since joining the team in 2016, Mika has emerged as one of the premier players in the NHL,†Drury said via an NYR press release. “In addition to being a great player on the ice, Mika is an exemplary person off of the ice. We are fortunate to have him as part of our Rangers organization and are excited that he will continue his career in New York.â€
Larry Brooks of the New York Post is reporting that the AAV is in the $8.85million range.
Zibanejad, 28, skated in 56 games with the Rangers last season, registering 24 goals and 26 assists for 50 points, along with 18 penalty minutes. He led the Rangers in goals, game-winning goals (seven), and shots on goal (171), and ranked second on the team in points in 2020-21.
The 6-2, 200-pounder has skated in 604 career NHL games over parts of 10 seasons (2011-12 – 2020-21) with Ottawa and the Rangers, registering 200 goals and 234 assists for 434 points, along with 173 penalty minutes. Zibanejad has played five seasons with the Blueshirts (2016-17 – 2020-21), tallying 136 goals and 147 assists for 283 points in 323 games. He has skated in 31 postseason games in his NHL career, registering five goals and 14 assists for 19 points. In addition, the Stockholm, Sweden native will represent his country at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Zibanejad was acquired by the Rangers from Ottawa on July 18, 2016. He was originally selected by the Senators in the first round, sixth overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Eichel Rumors Put To Rest
This most likely means the team is out of the Jack Eichel sweepstakes. The Rangers have been the team mentioned in most trade rumors s the Buffalo Sabres are looking to move their former captain. The AAV Zibanejad will be reportingly making would make it impossible for the Blueshirts to carry the $10 mollion AAV that Eichel’s contract currently has.
Captain
The Ranger’s next big announcement is due in the coming days who will be their next captain. Â The contract extension will now put Zibanelad’s name in the mix along with Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba.