Zibanejad tested positive for COVID-19 and Miller talks about his new job

New York Rangers Mika Zibanejad  and K’Andre Miller spoke for the first time during training camp

If there were two players fans of the New York Rangers would want to hear from it would Mika Zibanejad and K’Andre Miller.   Both of them spoke to the media after practice on Monday.

Zibanejad had missed most of training camp and with the team not allowed to speak about medical conditions, it was up to Zibanejad to reveal that he had tested positive for COVID-19.   He didn’t pull any punches.  “I tested positive, so I was out for a certain amount of days, sticking to the protocol and I’ve been skating on my own and now I had my first real skate with the team so it felt good.”

When asked if he would be ready for the opener on Thursday, he was noncommittal saying that he felt good, but he would take it “day-by-day.”  He wouldn’t get into particulars about his illness or treatment except to say that he had been in daily contact with the team’s doctors.

Zibanejad said that the is looking forward to the compressed schedule.  “It’s going to be fun. Obviously, we know these teams well and we’re going to get to know them even better. It’ll be a fun challenge.”

More from Blue Line Station

• Blake Wheeler’s Broadway Calling: Why He Chose the Rangers
• Rangers’ Playoff Redemption Recipe: Grit and Fresh Hopes
• Rangers’ Roster Chatter: Who’s Making the Cut and Who’s in the Penalty Box?
• Jacque Plante Trade Tree Between the Rangers and Canadiens
• These Rangers must learn Peter Laviolette’s ropes before they can fly

Zibanejad was asked if he had aspirations to be named captain. He said no adding that he spen “the last couple of weeks just focusing on getting back and getting through al of this and I’m just happy to be here again.”

In all honesty, as much as he may deserve the captaincy, his contractual status would probably rule him out unless he signs an extension.  He has two more years on his contract and will be looking for that extension at the end of this season.

With Zibanejad revealing he had COVID, it’s clear that both Keith Kinkaid and Justin Richards are probably in a similar situation.  The Kinkaid situation in particular will be a sticky wicket for David Quinn.  Teams are required to carry a third goalie on he taxi squad and if Kinkaid doesn’t see any ice time for a while, it would be tough for him to get right into game shape.  It could mean a slot on the squad for Adam Huska when the season starts.

Miller talks about his new role

Although Alexis Lafreniere has gotten much of the attention of the rookies at camp, it is K’Andre Miller who is making the biggest statement.  It looks like Miller will be starting the season as Jacob Trouba’s partner on the top defensive pairing.

He addressed his new defense partner, noting that it is still very new. “We’ve only been playing together for a day or so, but he’s taking me under his wing…he’s a really reliable guy I can go to for any question.  His support has been unreal.”

It appears that the Rangers made a good choice bringing him to the Qualifier training camp. Miller said  “That camp put me in a pretty good position.  It gave me that extra boot of confidence that showed me I was right on the verge of something special I guess you could say. ”

After that camp he has been doing nothing by working out and preparing for this season.  “I’ve never been so prepared for a season…conditioning-wise, weigh- wise, strength-wise.  I wouldn’t say the pace is anything too crazy, but it’s different coming from college.”   He pointed out that “This next level is hard, everybody’s good…I’m just learning from those older guys who have been through it. ”

When asked to provide a personal scouting report, here is K’Andre Miller’s assessment of the type of defenseman he is.

“I consider myself kind of a shut down defenseman with offensive abilities, closing quick in the D-Zone with a good stick. I like to throw my body around a little bit especially in the D-Zone, try to use my offensive abilities when they come, being smart and hard to play against in the D-Zone.”

It’s clear that K’Andre Miller got the message about the Rangers “being harder to play against.”

All in all, good news from two important members of the 2021 team.  The full interviews are below. Zibanejad first, then Miller.