New York Rangers: Five players looking to progress this season

Mika Zibanejad

In his inaugural season in New York, Mika Zibanejad did not fail expectation. Had Zibanejad played a full 82 games, he could have produced 54 points. The young Swede is also returning to a team that desperately needs him to take control of the Center role. Left without a center after the Derek Stepan trade, the Rangers look for a #1 center in Zibanejad.

In November of 2016, Zibanejad injured his leg in overtime of a game against the Florida Panthers. This injury only knocked Zibanejad out for 26 games. Unfortunately he was certainly slow getting back into his groove upon returning from the injury.

ZIbanejad spent a majority of his season lined up with Mats Zuccarello and Chris Kreider. That line was together about half of Zibanejads faceoffs this past season. Projected between Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich, Zibanejad looks to have a productive season.  He has improved every season his ice time has increased, and this season should be no different.

I think it is fair to expect 65-70 points for Zibanejad, if he stays healthy.