The New York Rangers have a puzzle to solve, and it centers around Mika Zibanejad.
Once considered the team’s answer at center, Zibanejad’s performance has dipped in recent seasons. He only found his groove again after moving to wing alongside J.T. Miller – but that creates a whole new headache for the Rangers.
The team’s already thin at center. Moving Zibanejad back to the middle would help, pushing Vincent Trochek into a more natural third-line role. But then what happens to Zibanejad’s production? And who fills the gap on the right wing?
There might be an answer in California: Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks.
The 22-year-old forward checks all the boxes that Rangers GM Chris Drury loves. He’s big (6’1", 219 pounds), plays with an edge, and isn’t afraid to throw his weight around.
Think old-school power forward with a modern twist. McTavish makes defensemen miserable on the forecheck, has a rocket of a shot, and knows how to find open ice.
He put up solid numbers on a struggling Ducks team last season – 22 goals and 52 points in 76 games. Not bad for a second-line center.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Put McTavish between playmakers like Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere, and you might be looking at a 30-goal scorer.
The Ducks aren’t actively shopping McTavish, but they’re apparently willing to listen to offers. It won’t come cheap though – we’re talking first-round picks and top prospects.
The Rangers have plenty of young talent to offer, especially at left wing. While rising star Gabe Perrault is probably untouchable, names like Brennan Othmann, Adam Sykora, and Brett Berard could be in play.
Here’s a wild thought: What about building a deal around Will Cuylle?
It could solve multiple problems at once. The Rangers would get their center, Zibanejad could stay at wing, and there’d still be room for young talent to develop.
It would be a massive move. But sometimes those are the ones that make the most sense.
The Rangers and Ducks have already made two deals in the past eight months. Maybe it’s time for another phone call between old friends.
