The NHL offseason has wasted no time delivering its first major shockwave, as the trade market bursts to life with a headline-grabbing move between the New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks. With Chris Kreider now officially heading to Anaheim and the Rangers gaining valuable draft capital, the landscape is already shifting.

But the action isn’t stopping there—rumors are swirling that another blockbuster deal may be on the horizon, this time involving star center Mika Zibanejad. As the Rangers look to reshape their roster and clear cap space, fans and analysts alike are bracing for what could be one of the most eventful offseasons in recent memory. The message is clear: no one is safe, and the winds of change are blowing strong in New York.

Jan 19, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) plays the puck against Montreal Canadiens defenseman Kaiden Guhle (21) during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

We finally have some action on the NHL trade market. To begin, the first trade of the 2025 offseason has just been announced-this one involving the New York Rangers and the Anaheim Ducks.

It had been brewing for some time, but it’s now officially approved, confirmed, and announced.

Chris Kreider Traded to the Anaheim Ducks

Here are the details:

“To the Ducks:

Chris Kreider
Anaheim’s 2025 4th-round pick

To the Rangers:

Carey Terrance
Maple Leafs’ 2025 3rd-round pick

The Rangers move up 15 spots in the draft as part of this deal.”

But that’s not all..

According to the excellent David Pagnotta, the New York Rangers are now exploring a second trade, this time involving center Mika Zibanejad, as they look to clear cap space.

It’s shaping up to be a very busy offseason.

“Kreider trade to Anaheim will give the NYR the cap flexibility they need to target free agents or present offer sheets. No salary retained by NYR which was also important in the deal.”
– Darren Dreger

Multiple sources have been reporting for a while that the Rangers are looking to shake things up, and that only three players are considered untouchable (Shesterkin, Fox, and Panarin).. Well, it looks like the shakeup has already begun!

Zibanejad, 32, recorded 62 points in 82 games this season, after seasons of 72 and 91 points previously.

He remains a very appealing top-six center-but with a cap hit of $8.5 million per year through 2030.

More details to come.