I doubt the Rangers include Zibanejad, his value would be as low as ever right now so it makes more sense to include someone like Strome with futures to balance the value. They would also be looking to contend so it doesn't make a lot of sense to trade Zibanejad away. Futures also carry more weight right now then they will later due to budget concerns. I think Buffalo will be looking to add someone like Kakko, Schneider, etc. and have a quicker rebuild with Cozens and Dahlin.

speaking of low value... eichel's value is super low

He's also 3 years younger and consistently improved until this year. Zibanejad was okay until the last 2 years, when he took a jump. The first which could be where he generally is, then the jump last year with an unsustainable shooting percentage, and now hes had an even worse year than Eichel. Eichel also looks frustrated and disengaged, whereas other than the massive drop in shooting percentage there isn't anything to explain Zibanejads drop in production (he'd be at about 7 goals if he shot his average)

i understand but he is still a solid second line center. and when you add a first and a second it makes it even

I agree that the value is even, just that NY doesn't need to shake things up so if they were planning on moving Zibanejad they'd wait til his value is higher. Also moving Strome instead gives NY a better chance to contend whereas trading Zibanejad for Eichel may improve the team but wouldn't benefit them the way having both would. It all hinges on whether or not NY wants to take a shot a seriously contending over the next couple years

Zibanejad has 2 years left the rangers either trade him or extend the contract with him. I'd say they would trade him.

I think they take advantage of how poorly his play has been this season and how covid has affected contracts and re-sign him for far less than people would've guessed pre-Covid / pre 40 goals.