Zibanejad out. Radulov in.

The Trade Deadline sparks several transactions that included New York sending 1st-line center Mika Zibanejad off to Nashville. But it didn’t stop there as the Predators turned around and traded Zibanejad to the Montreal for a 2022 1st-round pick and three other players. To fill the first-line void, the Rangers just shifted around some players and actually improved their line chemistry for it. They also picked up center Nick Cousins from Nashville and he was fitted into the 3rd-scoring line.

Zibanejad joins the Canadiens, who are contending for a playoff spot, as one of their top players. But he’s expected to ask a high price to remain with any team as an unrestricted free agent. Zibanejad was seeking an extension over $8M to stay in New York.

Rangers Trade Deadline Recap:

• Traded C Mika Zibanejad and D Patrick Nemeth to Nashville for C Nick Cousins (80) and D Ben Harpur (76)
• Traded LA Brennan Othman, D Hunter Skinner, and a 2023 2nd-round (NYR) pick to Dallas for RW Alexander Radulov (86)

Full Trade Deadline as it happened

Mika Zinbanejad days in New York numbered?

The Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, and Carolina Hurricanes are potential trade partners that would see Mika Zibanejad leave the Rangers by the Trade Deadline.

Fact of the matter is the Rangers will not be able to offer several key players contract extensions. Centers Ryan Strome and Zibanejad are going to be unrestricted free agents and will each have asking prices north of 5-million. Zibanejad is seeking a contract extension worth $8M per season.

Complicating issues: Elite defenseman Adam Fox, and former 1st-round pick Alexis Lafraniere will be restricted free agents and keeping them in Rangers’ uniforms will be a priority.

Top players on the trading block from sellers

Phoenix Coyotes – RW Kessel (84)
Dallas Stars – RW Radulov (86), RW Pavelski (85), D Klinberg (86), LW Benn (85)
Minnesota – D Spurgeon (86), LW Zuccarello (84)
Nashville – D Ekholm (86)
New Jersey – D Subban (83)
Ottawa – RW Brown (84)

Buyers who are also contenders (winning records)

Toronto Maple Leafs (41-13-6). Less than $1M in cap space. Not that they need to add a piece for a deep playoff run, but they are looking to move D Kampf or give up a 2022 and 2023 1st-round picks.

Tampa Bay Lightning (29-26-4). A little under $2M cap space. The defending champions had a horrible start to the season and spent time in the East cellar. They’ve turned things around and are looking to add pieces. They are willing to give up 1st-round picks and A Lipanov.

Philadelphia Flyers (29-23-7). $200K in cap space. With no cap room, not much the Flyers can do without a one-for-one trade. Ratcliffe, and Foerster are pieces they’re willing to move.

Florida Panthers (35-22-3). Over $3M in cap space. The Panthers are most likely to make a big move at the deadline. They’re willing to part with top players to improve (Bobvrosky, Barkov, and Hornqvist).

Carolina Hurricanes (34-18-6). Almost $2M in cap space. The Hurricanes have potential trade partners with New York. Willing to give up a 2023 1st-round pick, and they have put LW/C Jordan Martinook (OVR 79, 3yrs, $1.69M), and 34-year old G Antii Raanta (84 OVR, 2yrs, $1.88M) on the trading block.