Mike Zibanejad became the New York Rangers’ first line center by default after they traded Derek Stepan in the offseason. He’s off to a blazing hot start this year. Of course, there’s more to the role than scoring a few early season goals.
While Zibanejad plays a different style from Stepan, he still inherits his responsibilities. That means he and his linemates have to do more than just put up points. They have to match up against other top units and play solid defense too.
It’s apparent from the frequent, team-wide breakdowns of the first few games that the Rangers haven’t yet nailed down their structure. So far Zibanejad and his wingers, Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich, are the only forwards not struggling to find chemistry.
Questioning the brightest spot of a sloppy overall start to this Ranger season seems counter-intuitive. Zibanejad looks better than ever right now. On the other hand, New York’s depleted forward depth, especially at center, means Zibanejad may have to do even more to help the Rangers win.
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All in their heads
Through three games, Zibanejad has played only the ninth most five on five minutes among Ranger forwards. That’s a very small sample size, but it appears Zibanejad faces a double challenge right now. He has to prove he can be the top center on a contending team and he has to do it in a way that makes Alain Vigneault take notice.
Vigneault called Zibanejad out at the end of last season.
"“Mika’s case, he’s at that crossroads right now,” Vigneault said. “He needs to figure it out.”"
Even as Zibanejad elevates his game it appears the coach still doesn’t trust him completely. Instead, Vigneault chooses to lean on Kevin Hayes and converted winger J.T. Miller for heavier even strength minutes.
These minute distributions might explain some of the poor early results we’ve seen. Despite Miller’s reputation for hard-nosed play and Hayes’ imposing size, neither one excels defensively.
Though Zibanejad’s offense is his calling card, he also flashed some promise as a shot suppressor last season. The Rangers surrendered even strength shot attempts at a lower rate in 2016-17 with Zibanejad on the ice than they did with either Hayes or Miller.
It’s Vigneault’s job to recognize Zibanejad’s matchup potential. Unfortunately for Zibanejad and the Rangers, forcing Vigneault to take notice may take more than just playing well. It’s not fair, but Zibanejad has to find some way to jolt his coach into giving him heavier minutes.
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Outside help
The Rangers have a few possible trade options if Zibanejad doesn’t maintain his fast start. They could aggressively pursue Vadim Shapachyov, who reportedly wants out of the Las Vegas organization. Shapachyov has a big contract and no NHL experience, but has a stellar KHL resume.
The Rangers could also try to strike a deal with Ottawa for pending unrestricted free agent Kyle Turris. Either move would require some cap juggling on New York’s part, though. Furthermore, the Rangers aren’t exactly flush with trade assets.
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Whatever the Rangers choose to do, it’s in their best interest to find out whether they can lean on Zibanejad for a bigger, all around role. The sooner they get an answer, the better.
Vigneault can’t afford to continue miscasting Hayes and Miller in defensive roles. Zibanejad is trying to step into Stepan’s old job.