Mika Zibanejad is the 12th best center in the NHL, per the NHL Network’s 2023 rankings. Zibanejad was also 29th in the NHL Network’s top 50 players right now, so the Rangers clearly have their 1C identified. Those ahead of him include the usual suspects like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. Those ahead of Zibanejad that may spark debate are Jack Eichel and possibly Tage Thompson. The others ahead of him should be accepted, at least in my opinion.
Zibanejad’s time with the Rangers has been nothing short of fantastic. He’s simply gotten better and better, putting up close to a point per game every season. He set a career high with 91 points last season, tying his career high in assists with 52. His career high of 42 goals in the 2019-2020 season (57 games before the pandemic) was almost matched as well, with Zibanejad finishing with 39 goals.
For those keeping count, Zibanejad’s 2019-2020 goal scoring pace would put him at 60 goals over 82 games. What could have been.
For now, Zibanejad is the Rangers 1C for the foreseeable future. As Father Time starts to call, it’s hoped that Filip Chytil will grow into that 1C role as Zibanejad slows down. Still, the Rangers have something most teams covet: A lethal, right handed, scoring center.
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