The Rangers are a mess right now, and big changes are in the air. Following Elliotte Friedman's report, the Leafs have now been linked to a star player of theirs. The New York Rangers, once believed to be robust Stanley Cup contenders, have slid at an incredible pace, unable to find consistency. Already, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl/trades/new-york-rangers-make-a-blockbuster-trade-sending-former-2nd-overall-pick-kaapo-kakko-to-seattle' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>the team has parted ways</a> with former captain Jacob Trouba and winger Kaapo Kakko, and we're hearing rumors about other veterans like Chris Kreider. Elliotte Friedman says there's some interest in Toronto for another one of their players, Mika Zibanejad, and that he could be traded. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NHLTradeRumors/status/1874154654704996359'> </a></blockquote></div> Elliotte Friedman on 'The Fan Hockey Show' said Toronto is looking to pick up someone with term, and that is exactly what Mika Zibanejad has. The 31-year-old Swede, picked sixth overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2011, has been one of the best players in the NHL. He has 699 points in 884 games (300 goals, 399 assists) and is really a proven goal-scorer with hardly any less than 20 goals any given year. Leafs Nation's Nick Alberga also <a href='https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/rangers_star_linked_to_toronto_maple_leafs_following_insider_elliotte_friedmans_report/s1_17430_41496497' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>mentioned the potential fit of Zibanejad with Toronto</a>. At 6'2, Zibanejad is as much of a physical presence as he is a talented producer. It would be a complicated deal to put together, but at the very least, I think the Leafs should inquire on Mika Zibanejad's availability. One source with strong knowledge of the situation indicated to me that the 31-year-old pivot is available for trade and is willing to waive his no movement clause for the right spot. - Nick Alberga <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TLNdc/status/1874111827535417853'> </a></blockquote></div> His playoff resume is just as good, where he has 63 points in 74 playoff games. That versatility only adds to <a href='https://www.nhl.com/rangers/player/mika-zibanejad-8476459' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Zibanejad</a>'s value for Toronto's lineup. He could fit into the top nine, help Auston Matthews in high-pressure moments, or be a third-line booster if need be. His ability to shift to the wing also adds flexibility for other players on the team. But with Zibanejad's $8.5M cap hit over the next five seasons, that's a tough pill to swallow. Toronto would have to shed contracts and request the Rangers to retain salary, which could be a big ask. The fact remains, Zibanejad won't come cheaply. But for the Toronto Maple Leafs, this bold move just might be their answer to finding some type of playoff success.