New York Rangers: Mika Zibanejad Will Impress This Season
New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad is taking on a first line center role this season after the loss of Derek Stepan. While this sounds like a big spot to fill for the young center, he is capable of more than what is expected of him.
The New York Rangers dealt Derek Stepan, along with Antti Raanta, to the Arizona Coyotes earlier this offseason. After the trade, the first line center position fell from Stepan and onto Mika Zibanejad‘s shoulders.
Zibanejad might be young, but there aren’t many reasons anyone should doubt his abilities moving forward. The 24 year old is capable of stepping in as the first line center. The 2017-18 season will be a perfect time for Zibanejad to show his potential.
Zibanejad’s potential will face a true test in the 2017-18 season and he is up for the challenge. He is approaching a turning point in his career and all signs are pointing to the former Ottawa Senators center having a big season.
The Shoes to Fill
The role of a first line center isn’t an easy one. It often takes a player a lot of development to be their team’s top guy. Dishing out solid two-way play, reliable production and more faceoff wins than losses are all expected of a team’s star center.
Zibanejad is young but he is ready for the role. In the 2015-16 season, he posted 51 points in 81 games with the Senators. At the age of just 22, Zibanejad was giving a glimpse into his future as a team’s top center.
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
Last season, could have been a career season for the center if he hadn’t been injured. Zibanejad broke his fibula last season and only took the ice for 56 games. Despite the shorter season, he posted 14 goals and 37 points, with a face-off percentage of 52 percent.
How He Sizes Up
Compared to Stepan’s performance last season, Zibanejad trailed the first line center by three goals and a total of 18 points. He averaged 0.66 points per game. Over 82 games, that’s 54 points, which is just short of Stepan’s 55 points.
While Stepan contributed more than just points on the ice, it only goes to show that Zibanejad is moving in the right direction to fill the center’s shoes. He has the offensive potential and has reached a 50-point range in the past. This means as Zibanejad approaches his prime, he should get into at least that range.
Zibanejad Will Impress
Zibanejad is a smart center. He knows when to pass or keep the puck and has hockey knowledge beyond his years. Zibenjad is a pressure player who excelled in the playoffs and has a very positive ice presence.
His development during this season will tell a lot about his potential going further. Zibanejad has the offensive skill and all he needs to perfect is his defensive play. If he can take more control of his two-way play, get involved and a little gritty, he will continue to excel as a top center.
Star centers, for exception of a few, aren’t made overnight. Zibanejad has the raw talent to become an elite center. He can score, win faceoffs and is a reliable member of the team. Once he flashes more physical play and gets more involved on the ice he will balance his performance.
Next: Rangers Top 10 Prospects
Zibanejad will impress hockey fans this coming season. He is capable of very excellent play if he puts the work in. This is a big challenge for the 24 year old, but all Zibanejad needs is the opportunity and he will take off.