Zibanejad’s Hat Trick Lifts Rangers, But Trade Talk Looms Over the Victory
ANAHEIM, Calif. - Mika Zibanejad delivered a vintage performance on Saturday, notching his second hat trick of the month and helping the New York Rangers snap a five-game skid with a 6-3 win over the Flyers in Philadelphia. It was the kind of night that, under normal circumstances, would’ve had fans buzzing about his offensive tear - nine goals and eight assists over the last eight games.
But this isn’t a normal stretch for the Rangers. Not after Friday.
That’s when general manager Chris Drury took to social media and dropped a word that sent shockwaves through the fanbase: “retool.”
And just like that, Zibanejad’s dominant run - and even his place in Rangers history - took a backseat to the bigger question: Who’s staying, and who might be gone before the March 6 trade deadline?
Let’s start with the numbers, because they’re worth a pause. Saturday’s hat trick was the 10th of Zibanejad’s career and his ninth in a Rangers sweater, tying him with Bill Cook for the most in franchise history.
One of those goals also marked his 117th on the power play as a Ranger, pushing him past Chris Kreider and Camille Henry for the top spot in that category. These aren’t just nice milestones - they’re the kind of numbers that etch a player’s name into the rafters.
And yet, here we are, wondering if the Rangers might ask Zibanejad to waive his no-move clause.
It’s a stunning turn, especially considering Zibanejad’s journey with the team. He’s one of only two players still on the roster from the original 2018 “Letter” - the one that signaled a full-on rebuild.
The other was J.T. Miller, who was dealt at that year’s deadline before being reacquired from Vancouver last January.
Back then, Zibanejad was 24 and seen as a cornerstone for the next era of Rangers hockey. Now he’s 32, still producing, but potentially viewed as a valuable trade chip if the team is serious about reshaping the roster.
After Sunday’s practice at Honda Center ahead of their game against the Ducks, Zibanejad reflected on that 2018 pivot point.
“I obviously wanted to be a part of that [rebuild], and building forward. So, luckily, I was,” he said. “It was obviously a different situation then.”
Different indeed. That rebuild was a full teardown.
What Drury is pitching now is a retool - a quicker, more targeted reset that leans on the existing core and a pipeline of young talent. But even with that distinction, the uncertainty is real.
And for a veteran like Zibanejad, the question becomes whether he wants to ride out another transition or chase a Stanley Cup elsewhere.
“I haven’t thought about that, honestly,” he said. “We talked about a ‘retool’ and not a ‘rebuild,’ so I’m now committed to be here. The situation is what it is right now, and you evaluate at the time.”
Zibanejad didn’t close the door on anything. He’s living in the moment, focused on helping the team find its footing. But he also acknowledged the fluid nature of the business.
“If I can help somehow, you reevaluate the situation as you go,” he added.
Through all the noise, one thing is clear: Zibanejad is still producing at a high level. He leads the Rangers in goals with 21 and has been their most consistent performer this season - a bounce-back campaign after a tough 2024-25.
“I think mentally, I’ve been in a better situation,” he said. “And obviously, when pucks go in, it’s easier to have a better, more positive [outlook]. I just feel like what happened last year was last year, and I’ve been able to learn from it and grow.”
Despite his production and longevity, Zibanejad has never quite had the same cult status among fans as some of his teammates - guys like Kreider or Mats Zuccarello. But maybe that changes with time. Maybe the appreciation comes later, especially if he keeps stacking franchise records.
One person who already sees the full value of Zibanejad is head coach Mike Sullivan.
“What I’ve grown to appreciate about Mika is, when you’re with somebody every day, I think you gain more of an appreciation of the detail around their game,” Sullivan said.
“I knew Mika was a solid two-way player... but what I’ve really grown to appreciate is just his complete game. He’s got a mature game.
He plays on both sides of the puck. There’s an honesty to his game, just as far as playing defense and valuing playing defense.
And I think that’s the first step of being a complete player.”
So while trade chatter may dominate the headlines for now, Zibanejad’s play is speaking for itself. Whether he’s part of the Rangers’ future or not, he’s making every shift count - and reminding everyone why his name belongs in the conversation when we talk about the greats to wear the Blueshirt.