Report: Rangers star frustrated with negotiations

New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad has filed for salary arbitration. Still without a contract despite being nearly a week into the NHL’s free-agency period, the big Swede had until 5pm yesterday to make the filing, but apparently did so before time ran out. While salary arbitration can often be a formality in the negotiation process, one has to wonder whether things will get complicated in Zibanejad’s case.

The 24 year-old only managed to play 56 games with the Rangers last season due to a devastating leg injury sustained early in the season. In those 56 games however, Zibanejad managed 14 goals and 37 points. Herein lies the problem. Over the course of an 82 game schedule it’s likely that he’d have crested 20 goals and 50 points. And players with those kind of numbers typically make $4-$5 million per season with term. Of course, Zibanejad didn’t reach those numbers, but has in the past and there’s no reason to think he won’t moving forward. So, how do you pay him? 

More importantly, what will a judge award him? It’s a tricky situation and Rangers GM Jeff Gorton will need to approach negotiations  deftly if he hopes to avoid paying more than he can afford.