Latest news with #MikaZibanejad
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL trade rumor: Mika Zibanejad's New York Rangers future sparks chatter after Irma Zibanejad calls out false reports
Mika Zibanejad of Sweden with a third place medal after the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship (Credit: Getty Images) The New York Rangers' offseason has been turbulent, and Mika Zibanejad's name has been pulled into the storm. Following the high-profile trade of Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks, Zibanejad's future became a prime target for speculation. The narrative only intensified when analysts suggested that general manager Chris Drury could be clearing house to reshape team dynamics. While trade rumors are nothing new during the NHL offseason, Irma's post stood out. It was not just a defense, it was a declaration of intent. As the Rangers adjust under new leadership, the Zibanejads seem firmly rooted in the Big Apple. Mike Sullivan's visit adds weight to the stay speculation The detail about Mike Sullivan's visit was not just casually dropped. It added significant context to the speculation around Mika's status. When a newly hired coach flies out to personally meet a player, it typically signals plans for a long-term role, not a looming exit. The visit, as shared by Irma Zibanejad, speaks volumes about Mika's importance to the team. Irma's post came after weeks of uncertainty. With the Rangers failing to make the playoffs despite previously winning the Presidents' Trophy, a major culture shift seemed inevitable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top Doctor: If You Eat Eggs Every Day, This Is What Happens WellnessGuide Learn more Undo But as Mika Zibanejad remains under contract for five more years, and with Sullivan actively integrating him into plans, the trade talk now appears overstated. Irma Zibanejad makes a bold stand against false narratives Beyond the tactical angles, the most eye-catching part of this saga has been Irma Zibanejad's unapologetic tone. She questioned how media outlets continue to publish stories without credible sourcing and called the rumors baseless. The frustration was clear, but so was the message: Mika Zibanejad is staying in New York. Read more: Olympic news: Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby ignite Team Canada's Olympic dream with explosive first six reveal As things stand, the rumors may continue, but the Zibanejads have already delivered their answer. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Mika Zibanejad's wife Irma Zibanejad shuts down viral trade rumors and reveals truth about New York move
Mika Zibanejad's wife Irma Zibanejad shuts down viral trade rumors and reveals truth about New York move (Image via Irma/IG) Fans of the New York Rangers were surprised this summer when big trade rumors began to swirl around Mika Zibanejad. Many wondered if the $68 million star was planning to leave New York. But something unexpected has come up. The talk didn't come from the team or the player; it came from someone very close to him, giving fans a much clearer view of what might be happening. Mika Zibanejad's contract and team changes sparked rumors On June 16, 2025, Irma Zibanejad, the wife of Rangers star Mika Zibanejad, finally responded to the growing buzz about her husband possibly leaving New York. In a recent interview with Aftonbladet, a Swedish news outlet, she called the trade stories 'completely false.' — qwiket_nhl (@qwiket_nhl) Irma Zibanejad, who is a former professional soccer player in Sweden, said that much of the talk began when they sold their townhouse in West Village for $13 million earlier this year. Fans took this as a sign that Mika might be preparing to move. But Irma said that isn't true. She said they had just purchased another house in New York and that recent visitor at their place was new Rangers coach Mike Sullivan. 'He flew all the way from New York to meet us,' she said, showing that Mika is still very much part of the team's future. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 임플란트 29만원 이벤트 임플란트 더 알아보기 Undo She added, 'I'm surprised how quickly people believe everything they read. There's no truth to those trade rumors.' Mika Zibanejad's contract and team changes sparked rumors Thirty-two year old Mika Zibanejad has played many seasons for the Rangers. In 2021, he signed an eight-year $68 million deal that would keep him with the club till 2029. Further explaining a no-move clause in his agreement, the club cannot trade him unless he approves. Also Read: NHL Trade: Mika Zibanejad Shuts Down Trade Rumors With Strong Message About Staying In New York The reason fans started to worry was because of big changes to the team this summer. Mika's close friend and longtime teammate Chris Kreider was traded to the Anaheim Ducks earlier this offseason. That move surprised many and made people wonder if Mika could be next. Mika's stats last season, 62 points in 82 games, were also excellent, but not his best. This only fueled rumors that the group might intend to renovate or conduct more adjustments. But all indications point to Mika Zibanejad remaining where for now with a new coach, a new home in New York, and his wife's obvious message.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL Trade: Mika Zibanejad shuts down trade rumors with strong message about staying in New York
Mika Zibanejad shuts down trade rumors with strong message about staying in New York (Image via Getty) As NHL trade talk gets louder this offseason, some fans are wondering if big names could be on the move. One player's name, however, seems to be missing from all the buzz. Even with the rumors flying, a trusted insider has said something that clears the air. A popular New York Rangers player appears to be going nowhere and it's all by his own choice. Mika Zibanejad makes it clear he has no plans to leave the Rangers On June 17, 2025, NHL insider Frank Seravalli spoke on the latest episode of Morning Cuppa Hockey, a well-known hockey news show. He said very clearly that he has not heard Mika Zibanejad's name come up in any trade discussions. — nhlrumourreport (@nhlrumourreport) 'I haven't heard his name out there,' Seravalli said on the show. 'He's made it clear that he doesn't have interest in moving anyways.' This statement was made during a section on possible off-season NHL adjustments. For years, Zibanejad has been central to the New York Rangers. Having signed with the Rangers in 2016, he has come to be one of their best players. Fans value his exceptional leadership ability as well as performance. Especially for clubs looking to improve their rosters, the trade market has recently become captivating. Still, Zibanejad seems very committed to living in New York. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz Superior Ginseng Undo Mika Zibanejad wants to stay with the New York Rangers Though Mika Zibanejad has long desired to stay with the Rangers, he has remained silent this week publically. According to publications from The Athletic and Sportsnet, he agreed to an eight-year extension with the Rangers in 2021. Because in large measure to that agreement, he will stay with the team through the 2028–29 season. Having 27 goals and 43 assists, the 31-year-old forward had yet another amazing 2024–25 season. Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Teams Eye Mika Zibanejad As Rangers Weigh Surprise Trade Option His strong locker room presence and regular play make him a leader both on and off the rink. Many fans on social media wondered whether Zibanejad might be part of trade discussions following the early postseason exit of the Rangers this year. Yet Frank Seravalli's words run against this. There is no evidence that it is happening. Unless something changes, Mika Zibanejad seems very likely to stay in New York just as he wants.
New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Which New York Rangers could make the Olympics? Good bets, maybes and outside shots
Last summer, two New York Rangers were among the first six players announced for rosters competing at the 4 Nations Face-Off: Sweden's Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox from the U.S. Ahead of the upcoming Olympics, the 12 competing men's hockey countries announced their first six selections Monday. No Rangers made the cut, a reflection of many of the team's top players' difficult 2024-25 seasons. Russia is also not in the field due to the country's invasion of Ukraine, which means Artemi Panarin and Igor Shesterkin won't be 2026 Olympians. Both would have had a case for a first-six selection had Russia been in the tournament. Advertisement Despite not being in the initial rollout, several Rangers players still have a chance to make the Olympics. Here's a tiered list of where they stand. Zibanejad had a difficult first half of the 2024-25 season, but still finished with 20 goals and 62 points. The Rangers need more given his $8.5 million cap hit, but he still is one of the country's best 14 forwards. He played at the most recent World Championships, was an alternate captain and was second on his team with five goals. The Swedes captured a bronze medal. U.S. general manager Bill Guerin spoke Monday about the need for players who can play in tight games. Miller fits that mold. Over the past four seasons, most of which he spent with the Vancouver Canucks, he has the third-most NHL points by an American (354), behind only Auston Matthews and Matthew Tkachuk. He failed to log a point at 4 Nations but still contributed to one of the tournament's more memorable moments by fighting Colton Parayko in the first minute of the U.S.-Canada game. Like his childhood friend Miller, Trocheck didn't have any points at 4 Nations. He's less likely to make the U.S. team than Miller, but still has a good chance because of his ability to play on the penalty kill and the fact that he's a right shot. He'll need to start the NHL season well, however, to solidify his spot. The U.S. is stacked on defense, which makes Fox's road to the Olympics tougher than it would've been a year ago. Quinn Hughes and Charlie McAvoy are already on the team, and Jaccob Slavin, Brock Faber, Zach Werenski and Jake Sanderson are likely ahead of Fox in the pecking order after 4 Nations. On paper, Fox has one of the eight best resumes of U.S. defensemen, but Brady Tkachuk replacing him in the First Six reflects how Guerin felt about his past year and performance at 4 Nations. Advertisement 'His season wasn't up to his standards, but he's very much in the mix,' Guerin said. 'This is just a list we had to come out with, and I just felt more comfortable with Brady on it this time around.' With multiple Finnish defensemen hurt, Vaakanainen got a 4 Nations nod. Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell are already on the team, and Niko Mikkola, Olli Määttä and Rasmus Ristolainen are good bets to go, too. Vaakanainen will be in the mix with the likes of Henri Jokiharju, Juuso Välimäki and other professional players, including ones overseas. Former NHLer Mikko Lehtonen, for example, was Finland's leading scorer among defensemen at Worlds and captained the team. He now plays in Switzerland, so he wasn't eligible for 4 Nations — an NHL-run tournament — but will be for the Olympics. The 20-year-old Sýkora, a 2022 second-round pick, has yet to play an NHL game, but he represented Slovakia at the recent World Championships. Only eight Slovakian-born players appeared in the NHL this past season, so the country will have to bring players from other professional leagues, including the AHL. An Olympic selection would provide good experience for the young forward. The Athletic's Michael Russo, who covered the U.S. team at 4 Nations, wrote recently that Miller could be one of the players Guerin looks to if he opts against bringing Fox or Noah Hanifin. Miller has shown flashes of strong play, but he'd need a consistent, strong start to the season — whether with the Rangers or another team — to have a real chance. Lafrenière had some 4 Nations buzz going into the 2024-25 season, but that faded during a disappointing year. If he gets off to a hot start, perhaps he can put himself back on the radar. Unfortunately for him, the Canadian forward group is one of the toughest to crack in the world. Advertisement Pärssinen probably isn't in the mix if Finland is fully healthy, but he could perhaps sneak in if there are injuries and he establishes himself as a full-time NHLer. The 24-year-old acquitted himself nicely at Worlds with five points in eight games, tied for fourth on the team. (Top photo of Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller: Dennis Schneidler / Imagn Images)
New York Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
How the Rangers' Adam Fox and Mika Zibanejad fell from being early Olympics locks
Twelve days shy of a year ago, Adam Fox (USA) and Mika Zibanejad (Sweden) were named as part of the 'First Six' for their respective countries for the 4 Nations tournament contested in February. But on Monday, when the 12 qualifying nations for the 2026 Olympics announced the 'First Six' for their respective rosters, neither Fox nor Zibanejad was named. The 2024-25 season took a bite out of the Apple. In fact, out of these 72 players booked for Italy, there is not a single Ranger among them. The Blueshirts are one of only five NHL clubs — with the Islanders, Wild, Mammoth and Sharks — without a representative.
