The Detroit Red Wings are off to a rough start this season, but a bold trade proposal could help turn things around by adding star forward Mika Zibanejad in a blockbuster move.
A recent trade suggestion on the PuckGM tool from PuckPedia has the Red Wings acquiring Zibanejad from the New York Rangers in exchange for J.T. Compher, Jonatan Berggren, Jesse Kiiskinen, and two draft picks—one in the 2026 second round and another in the 2027 third round.
This potential deal would be a major shakeup for both teams. Zibanejad, who is in the third year of his eight-year, $68 million contract, is a top player for the Rangers and would instantly become a star for the Red Wings. So far this season, the Swedish forward has 6 goals and 15 assists in 28 games, accumulating 21 points, and would join Detroit’s top line.
In return, the Rangers would receive Compher, Berggren, Kiiskinen, and the draft picks. Compher, in the second year of his five-year, $25.5 million deal, would provide the Rangers with a solid third-line center. Berggren, a former second-round pick, has contributed 6 points this season and would be a potential bottom-six forward for New York. Kiiskinen, selected in the 2023 third round, is currently playing in Finland, where he has 7 goals and 13 assists in 25 games.
The Rangers have struggled this season and are currently out of the playoff picture. With a 15-12-1 record, they sit in fifth place in the Metropolitan Division. New York recently traded Jacob Trouba and has made several key players, including Chris Kreider, available for trade as management seeks to shake things up after a disappointing run.
On the other hand, the Red Wings entered the season with playoff hopes but are now sitting outside the postseason picture with an 11-14-4 record, in sixth place in the Atlantic Division. Head coach Derek Lalonde emphasized the need for the team to block out distractions and focus on improving their performance as they strive to turn their season around.
