Justin Starr-
I believe that the New York Rangers and their front office want Mika Zibanejad to replace Derek Stepan as the first line center for this upcoming season. The Rangers will look to resign Zibanejad soon. Once that is all finalized, it will be up to Zibanejad to take the step to the next level.
I wanted to go with the Rangers signing an unrestricted free agent such as Joe Thornton. I just think that Thornton will end up staying in San Jose. If he was brought in, he wouldn’t be the guy replacing Stepan.
I hope Zibanejad is locked up long term and I hope that he is ready to become one of the main guys on the roster. The Rangers are going to put a lot of faith into him throughout this upcoming season.
I think it is safe to say that all Ranger fans are hoping that Zibanejad is ready to take the next step in his career.