Maple Leafs Focused on Acquiring $68M Star Mika Zibanejad in Blockbuster 1-for-1 Deal
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly laser-focused on making a major splash this offseason, with multiple sources indicating the club is pursuing a blockbuster 1-for-1 trade to land New York Rangers star center Mika Zibanejad.
Zibanejad, currently in the fourth year of his massive eight-year, $68 million contract, is a name that has quietly surfaced in trade circles over the last few weeks. Despite holding a full no-movement clause, it’s understood the Swedish forward may be open to a fresh start — and Toronto has emerged as a top potential destination.
According to league insiders, the Maple Leafs are eyeing Zibanejad to solidify their second-line center role, a key area of need as they look to build a more balanced forward core heading into the 2025-26 season. While the team boasts elite firepower up front, including Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, depth down the middle has long been a concern during Toronto’s repeated postseason shortcomings.
Zibanejad, 32, remains a top-tier two-way center, having posted 20 goals and 42 assists across a full 82-game slate last season. His ability to play in all situations, combined with a high hockey IQ and leadership qualities, makes him an ideal target for the Leafs’ front office.
“Toronto is absolutely serious about adding another difference-maker, and Zibanejad fits the mold perfectly,” a source familiar with the situation told The Hockey Tribune. “They want someone who can take pressure off Matthews and drive a line of his own — Zibanejad is that guy.”
While talks are said to be in the exploratory phase, the deal being discussed is believed to be a straight-up, 1-for-1 swap involving a high-profile Leaf, likely a top-six forward or a young defenseman. Though the Rangers are not actively shopping Zibanejad, internal discussions in New York have reportedly turned toward recalibrating the roster after another disappointing playoff exit.
The Rangers may be tempted to move their veteran pivot if the return helps reset their core or address long-term cap flexibility. With Zibanejad’s cap hit standing at $8.5 million annually through 2030, shedding his salary could open doors for a more youthful retool, especially as they weigh new contracts for emerging stars.
Zibanejad’s full no-movement clause remains a significant hurdle, but the Maple Leafs are confident the allure of a contending Canadian market and a key on-ice role could sway his decision. Toronto’s front office is also believed to be in ongoing dialogue with Zibanejad’s camp about potential fit and vision.
Should a deal come to fruition, it would mark one of the most significant trades of the offseason — and a bold move from a Leafs organization desperate to end its long-standing championship drought.
Fans on both sides are bracing for developments in the days ahead. For now, Zibanejad remains a Ranger, but the winds of change may soon be blowing north.
