Mika Zibanejad to Rangers: Latest Trade Details, Comments and Reaction

The New York Rangers boosted their offense Monday, acquiring Mika Zibanejad from the Ottawa Senators. 

Per the Rangers' official Twitter account, New York received Zibanejad and a second-round draft pick in 2018 in exchange for Derick Brassard and a seventh-rounder in 2018.   

Swapping Brassard (28) for Zibanejad (23) serves two purposes for the Rangers. The latter is five years younger and provides more salary-cap flexibility. 

Zibanejad is entering the final year of his contract and will make $3.25 million before becoming a restricted free agent, per Spotrac, which will give the Rangers the option to match any offer he may receive next summer if the team makes him a qualifying offer. 

Brassard is signed through 2019 with a $5 million cap hit for each of the next three seasons, per Spotrac. 

Jason Gregor of TSN 1260 noted how Zibanejad and Brassard compare over the last two years:

Even though Brassard has been slightly superior, the difference in age and salary makes Zibanejad a better investment for the Rangers next season and beyond if they are happy with how he takes to New York. 

The Rangers' public relations staff noted on Twitter that Zibanejad’s goals, assists and points have increased in each of the last four seasons following his rookie campaign in 2011-12. 

Getting younger and more athletic this offseason was essential for the Rangers, who fell behind the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins in the Metropolitan Division last season and watched the Penguins win the Stanley Cup. 

Zibanejad gives the Rangers an electric, young offensive weapon. He can play on the second line with J.T. Miller and Rick Nash to form a strong trio for head coach Alain Vigneault as the franchise seeks to end its 22-year title drought.