Who was Mika Zibanejad traded for?

Mika Zibanejad is a Swedish professional ice hockey center for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He initially played association football as a child before shifting to hockey at the age of six with Hammarby IF. After seven seasons, he moved to AIK IF's youth organization and later joined Djurgårdens IF for the 2009–10 season, making his Elitserien debut in December 2010. Zibanejad signed a two-year contract extension with Djurgården on February 7, 2011, becoming a regular player on the senior roster.

On July 13, 2011, Zibanejad signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators, who drafted him sixth overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Mika Zibanejad made an impactful debut in the 2011-12 season, recording his first NHL point with an assist in the opening game. However, after nine games and one point, he was reassigned to Djurgårdens IF on October 26. In 2016, Zibanejad joined the New York Rangers in a trade with the Senators. After his rookie season with the Rangers, Zibanejad secured a five-year extension, becoming the Rangers' first-line center. In 2021, Zibanejad signed an eight-year extension and earned the alternate captain role. The 2021–22 season marked a successful playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals. In 2022–23, Zibanejad led the team in goals, reaching the playoffs again. However, the Rangers were eliminated in the first round against the Devils.

Who was Mika Zibanejad traded for?

According to Bluelinestation, Mika Zibanejad was traded for Derick Brassard on July 18, 2016. The trade was between the Ottawa Senators and the New York Rangers. When the Rangers traded for Mika Zibanejad in 2016, he had one year left on his contract before becoming a restricted free agent, while Derick Brassard had three years remaining on his contract. Before the trade, the 22-year-old Zibanejad showcased great potential with two consecutive 20-goal seasons and a career-high in points, living up to the expectations set when Ottawa selected him sixth overall in the 2011 NHL Draft.

On the other hand, Brassard, drafted sixth overall in 2006 by the Columbus Blue Jackets, had an impressive history. After making his NHL debut in 2008, he spent five years with the Blue Jackets before being traded to the New York Rangers with Marian Gaborik in 2013. During his 254 games as a Ranger, Brassard accumulated 174 points, including a notable 60-point season in 2014-15. However, that season saw his shooting percentage peak at 14.84%, three points higher than his career average, and he hasn't reached that mark since.

Why was Mika Zibanejad traded?

According to Bluelinestation, Mika Zibanejad was traded from the Ottawa Senators to the New York Rangers on July 18, 2016, in a deal that sent Derick Brassard to Ottawa. Both teams were dealing with salary cap issues. Zibanejad had a lower cap hit of $2.625 million, while Brassard had a higher cap hit of $5 million, despite being frontloaded. The Rangers' general manager, Jeff Gorton, aimed to free up cap space to retain other players like Chris Kreider and Kevin Hayes.

The trade has been considered a win for the Rangers, as Zibanejad has developed into one of their best players ever. As of November 24, 2024, he has scored 541 points in 586 games as a Ranger and has been an alternate captain since 2021.

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