New York Rangers: Give Mika Zibanejad the “C” now
There are currently seven teams in the NHL without a captain going into the 2019-20 regular season, and the New York Rangers are one of them.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights and the New York Rangers look set to begin the new hockey year without one of their players wearing the “C” on their jersey.
That of course has led to some experts questioning whether or not having a captain in hockey is important anymore, and there are arguments to be made on both sides of the coin.
However, when you are a young, rebuilding team such as the Rangers, then it can help to have a group of leaders within the locker room and out on the ice, including that one true commander everyone can look to.
Chris Kreider and Jesper Fast are two names who have been linked to the job but it has become abundantly clear throughout the preseason that there is now a runaway candidate to wear the coveted “C” on that beautiful, famous Rangers jersey.
And that man is Mika Zibanejad.
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Leaders come in all shapes and sizes now, some are vocal and make their presence known while others prefer to let their game do the talking.
Zibanejad certainly fits into that latter category but it is clear he demands respect from his teammates, coaching staff and the front office, while Blueshirts fans absolutely idolize the popular Swede.
He has morphed into a quiet leader on and off the ice and he’s also developed into one of the more elite players on this Rangers franchise after breaking out in explosive fashion last year, recording 30 goals and 44 assists for 74 points in 82 games.
Top level performers tend to demand respect immediately but Zibanejad has added other aspects to his makeup, including being a mentor for young center Lias Andersson, who is still trying to figure out where exactly he fits within this franchise.
He’s brilliant with the press, he’s not afraid to be accountable for his or the team’s errors, he’s a character player and he can be relied upon to come up clutch in big moments, which is an important trait for a leader.
Just look at Mark Messier. He is the perfect illustration of leading by example by going out on the ice, hauling the team on his back and producing big plays in big moments.
Zibanejad is capable of leading from the front and you can tell he has the type of infectious personality that will drive his teammates, both of the veteran and rookie variety, to follow him head first into the trenches.
He is the true definition of a model pro and he’s not going to attract negative headlines or court controversy off the ice. Instead, he’s going to come to the rink every single day ready to grind and he’s going to demand the same high standards from his team-mates, especially the franchise’s glut of rookies on their way up.
Not only that but Rangers Head Coach David Quinn has been glowing in his praise for Zibanejad’s leadership abilities, highlighting his calm and cool demeanor in addition to his ability to stay even-keeled no matter the situation.
Already wearing an “A” on his chest, Zibanejad has proven that he understands the fabric of this storied franchise and he knows what it takes to represent the New York Rangers both in the heat of battle and in the community.
Plus, under contract through 2021-22 and likely to get an extension if he keeps up his current level of play, Zibanejad is both the immediate and long-term face of this franchise and his appointment as captain would resonate hugely with the fanbase.
And he’ll have a huge role to play in 2019-20 in what could be the final development year of the current rebuild.
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He could be a role model for new linemate Pavel Buchnevich who is on the cusp of living up to the potential he’s long promised, while the likes of Kaapo Kakko, Vitali Kravtsov, Brett Howden, Adam Fox, Libor Hajek, Filip Chytil and Lias Andersson will all need a leader they can relate to and approach as they continue their transition to the NHL.
There is no word on whether or not the New York Rangers will name a captain in time for opening night but, when they do dish that “C” out, they would be wise to give it to Mika Zibanejad who has all the hallmarks of being a truly great captain for this historic franchise.