Why would the Rangers do that.
Neither team actually does it, not 1:1.
To answer your question, Rs recognize legit ability of Zib, but are beyond frustrated that he plays w/Krieder, who we ARE keeping, and we know there is chemistry there, we've seen it before, but it is too hit and miss these days.
And while his 8.5 is not a bargain, it is not exorbitant for current NHL pivots his level now, and will be a bargain if he holds up physically for later years = mid 30s.
That said, roll of the dice on Zegras = reset, not cheap but cheaper, shows less physically but belief he can be more of a sniper, more consistent fit w/Kreider. Whether we keep or move Shesty, we need to move vets to get ahead of cap situation. We are not effed yet but need to be proactive to get ahead of the curve.
Zib will be mid 30's by the time the Ducks are contending. While Anaheim doesn't need the money now, in 2-3 years they'll need cap space assuming a few players break out between now and then. If no one does, then Zib is still wasted because he can't be moved for assets. If Zegras completely busts in the next 2 years and becomes a 0 point player that doesn't play defense, Ducks can just let him go and would be better off.
Rangers are in win now mode. There's a chance Zegras turns it around and performs better on a better team and if he's allowed to play center and his style of game instead of dump and chase, but why should Rangers risk it when they know what they have with Zib. He's got more points this year so far, so he's the better win now player.
bold = fallacy to extent that it is smarter to go 8 steps backward to go 10-11 forward, = EXTENDING the window for longer than stupidly putting everything in 1-2 years
I currently see zib attached to shesty in a deal, somewhere
Zegras to Rs, I note Ana dissatisfied. Rumors he wants to eventually go east.
Ducks should not give him away, nor play hard to get if there is a good offer, esp since they have good pivot depth
what package works for both remains to be figured out
but 1:1 = no