Id do it as cbj. I bet Rangers fans wouldn't but I think Mika overperformed last year and Dubois is likely to be better long term

I dont think it does. I really like MZ, but he's 5 years older and will be a UFA in 2 years. PLB can still get better and is under team control passed the 2 year contract

Mike says no thank you

Zibanejad can always re-sign

He can also walk away for nothing

Which he can do on any team

for sure, but when the trade is PLD for MZ and you're comparing the deal. One guy can walk after two the other guy is under team control after his contract expires

The one that can walk has 23 goals in his last 22 games

I'd do this.

Technically MZ has a full NMC and can walk away at the end of the contract regardless. Valid point though, there were many Rangers fans who thought at the trade deadline two years ago that Gorton should have traded MZ before the NMC kicked. Rather then trading Kevin Hayes and signing Hayes to the kind of contract he got in Philly. For the very reason that MZ could just walk away after his contract.

Glad they traded Hayes... MZ had 41G - 34A - 75P in only 57 games last season. And even though MZ can walk away, there is no way that's going to happen. Unless NYR doesn't make him an offer for some reason.

I'd want to get him on an 8×5

Add a 2nd coming back to the NYR and a 7th for Columbus 😉

I would as well, but if MZ is a 40-50 goal scorer the next two seasons his contract would probably be for a higher salary and longer term.

8x5 I could only see MZ accepting if the Rangers offered him that contract right now with two years still left on his current contract. Not sure of the league rules regarding contract extensions and if NYR is even allowed to extend him right now? But if they could they should.

They can in the upcoming offseason