Breaking: New York Rangers And Mika Zibanejad Headed To Arbitration

It appears as though Mika Zibanejad and the New York Rangers are heading to arbitration, per Larry Brooks.

Barring last minute settlement, Rangers and Zibanejad on way to arbitration hearing.

— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) July 25, 2017

The two sides aren’t all that far apart in terms of arbitration asks, although there was some speculation on what type of deal the two sides were looking for.

Here’s the deal if the two sides go through the arbitration process in full:

1. In arbitration the two sides will both outline why they believe they are correct in their asks. This would include the Rangers making an argument for why Zibanejad is not worth what he wants, which often includes highlighting a player’s flaws.
2. After the arbitration is finished, the judge will take 48 hours to come to a verdict. Once the verdict is in, the Rangers and only the Rangers have the option to accept it or reject it. If they reject it Zibanejad will automatically become a UFA.
3. The two sides CAN come to a deal even after they go through arbitration, so long as it happens before the arbitrator comes down with their ruling for his salary.

That’s where things stand right now. We’ll have more as it comes.