Zibanejad reportedly wants Eichel money, and that may stop the Rangers from landing Eichel

Ever since it became clear that the Buffalo Sabres and star centre Jack Eichel would be parting ways, the New York Rangers have been in the mix regarding rumours of where Eichel might land. The Rangers are in the midst of a reset, not a full on rebuild but looking to make some changes, and Eichel would be a great addition to any team looking for more scoring. Unfortunately for Rangers GM Chris Drury, there's word one of his current players who'll be looking for a new contract next season wants to be paid similarly to Eichel, which could stop him from having both.

In his latest column in the New York Post, Larry Brooks said "We can report that there have been preliminary discussions between Drury and [Mika] Zibanejad's agent, Monir Kalgoum, who happens to be the center's brother. Our best information at this point is that Zibanejad is seeking a deal that would be at least commensurate with the one under which Eichel is operating in Buffalo. That would entail a commitment of $10 million per year.'s agent, Monir Kalgoum, who happens to be the center's brother. Our best information at this point is that Zibanejad is seeking a deal that would be at least commensurate with the one under which Eichel is operating in Buffalo. That would entail a commitment of $10 million per year."

Zibanejad had back-to-back 70 plus points season from 2018 to 2020, including putting up 75 points in 57 games in 2019-20. He took a bit of a step back last season, managing 50 points in 56 games. However, he dealt with a difficult case of COVID-19 just before training camp began and took some time to get back into form.

"The money is one thing. But equally important is term," wrote Brooks. "Zibanejad is going to turn 29 next April. The Rangers are believed to want to hold the contract to five or six years. The player is believed to be asking for seven or eight years. But why wouldn't he after the Blueshirts signed Chris Kreider to a seven-year deal that began at age 29?"

With Artemi Panarin of the Rangers already one of the highest paid players in the league, signing Zibanejad for $10 million at the end of next season and adding Jack Eichel, who's getting $10 million AAV for the next four seasons, will be tough, if not full on impossible. It's worth debating whether Zibanejad deserves a $70 million contract either way. He's a bit of a late bloomer, but has shown the ability to put up goals and points in big numbers in a short amount of time. That said, Drury also has other young, talented players who will be looking for new deals as well over the next couple of years. His choice will likely be keeping a big name player happy, or adding another big name for more offense.

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