The 2024-25 season was a nightmare for Mika Zibanejad and the New York Rangers. One year removed from winning the Presidents’ Trophy and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, the Blueshirts crumbled and missed the playoffs altogether.
Zibanejad’s struggles were one of the many reasons for their shortcomings, as the 32-year-old produced his lowest point-per-game clip since the 2017-18 campaign. He picked things up towards the end of the season; however, his poor start made it almost impossible to climb back up to what he’s expected to produce.
Zibanejad has always been tasked with being the Rangers’ number one center, but after a late-season resurgence playing on mid-season acquisition J.T. Miller’s right wing, that might remain the case moving forward.
Dan Rosen of NHL.com spoke to new head coach Mike Sullivan about Zibanejad’s positional status heading into 2025-26.
“I think it’s going to play itself out, but certainly the conversations I’ve had with Mika to this point I would envision us exploring keeping Mika with J.T.,” Sullivan said.
“They both have a comfort level playing down low in the defensive zone. They both have a comfort level in the face-off circle with one being a righty and one being a lefty. He expressed that to me. I would envision us exploring that combination to see if they can potentially build on the chemistry that they’ve already built,” Sullivan added.
Expect Miller, Zibanejad, and Will Cuylle to reunite as a trio after their success as a line to wrap up the season.
Mika Zibanejad is facing a crucial season
After last year’s disappointment, there were plenty of rumors and speculation about Mika Zibanejad being traded this summer. General manager Chris Drury has shown he’s unafraid to move players (Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba), and it felt like another longtime Ranger could be on his way out the door.
However, Zibanejad, who still has five years remaining on his eight-year, $68 million contract signed back in 2021, held all the cards with a full no-movement clause and was unwilling to leave New York. Whether Drury ever came close to moving Zibanejad will remain unknown, but one thing that’s for sure is that the pressure will be on next season.
Expectations are always high for the Rangers, and the goal is to get right back into the playoffs in 2025-26, something they’ll need Mika Zibanejad to be a big part of. How he performs will determine his future with the organization, because another down year could result in the veteran being forced out of town.
