Maple Leafs' trade target emerges from Original Six rival

It's no secret that the relationship between Mika Zibanejad and the New York Rangers fans hasn't been great over the past few seasons. Zibanejad is a force when he is at the top of his game, but his play is inconsistent at times, and he doesn't always bring a great intensity level during the regular season. 

Zibanejad struggled this season, along with other veterans like Chris Kreider, and it could lead the Rangers to make some moves to ensure they don't continue the disappointing trend of missing the postseason. The Rangers were much more loyal to Kreider, and they recently traded him to the Anaheim Ducks, meaning anything could be on the table for New York. 

The Toronto Maple Leafs are one team that could be looking for some center depth this season, and Arthur Staple via The Athletic wonders if they could meet with the Rangers for a potential Zibanejad trade. 

Zibanejad has a contract that pays him $8.5 million annually for another five seasons, but when at his best, the Swedish center is worth that price tag. Look no further than the 2022 and 2024 playoffs, where Zibanejad combined to record 40 points in 36 games. 

The Maple Leafs would do anything to get that kind of production in the postseason. If they believe Zibanejad could do the same for them, it's an avenue worth exploring.