The New York Rangers' difficult 2025-26 season ends tonight, and while there's not much to celebrate in a year where the group failed to live up to expectations, the end of year awards positively represent a player who sought to change the narrative this season. In a vote that left little room for debate among the local media, Mika Zibanejad has officially been named the Rangers' Team MVP.
M-V-P 👏
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 15, 2026
Your 2025-26 Team MVP, as voted on by members of the media, is Mika Zibanejad! pic.twitter.com/xv4FMSGdH0
A Sweeping Recognition
Zibanejad’s MVP nod completes a clean sweep of the Rangers' top individual honors. Two weeks ago, on March 31, the 32-year-old center was named the winner of the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, an honor voted on by the fans. Today he was also given the Players' Player Award as voted on by his fellow Blueshirts. By securing the media's MVP vote as well, Zibanejad has been unanimously recognized by his peers, the fan faithful at MSG and the reporters on the beat that diligently cover the ins and outs of the team daily. It is quite a story for Zibanejad, especially considering his approval rating last season while he was trying to rediscover himself as a player. It was another season of turmoil, but he was able to end that one on a good note and springboard the individual success into this year's campaign.
Zibanejad trending up again
In a season where the Rangers' offense often felt stagnant, Zibanejad remained the primary engine. This was especially true after the trade of Artemi Panarin, an elite forward who carried the team for the entirety of his stretch on Broadway. Through 80 games, Zibanejad has notched 33 goals and 43 assists for 76 points, leading the team in goals, points, and power-play production. He's also been a positive presence for Alexis Lafrenière and Gabe Perreault, two youngsters who are going to be vital as the Rangers attempt a Broadway revival.
The most staggering part of his season has been his dominance on the man advantage. Zibanejad broke the franchise record for career power-play goals this season (123), surpassing team legends like Camille Henry and Chris Kreider. He currently ranks sixth in the NHL with 15 power-play goals, proving that even as the Letter 2.0 retool changed the faces around him, his production remained elite.
2025-26 was a year of milestones for Zibanejad
Beyond the box score, 2026 was a legacy year for the Swedish center. He represented his country at the Olympics, and almost powered them to an upset over the eventual gold medal winning Team USA squad. After returning home, Zibanejad skated in his 1,000th career NHL game on March 23, becoming only the 22nd Swedish-born player to reach the milestone.
As the year finishes, Zibanejad has moved up the record books in many offensive categories for the Rangers, and next season he will be in prime position to continue his climb toward the top. Assuming he remains with the team for the rest of his contract, and potentially longer, he may go down as one of the most productive Rangers of all time.
While the Rangers head into an offseason filled with question marks, Zibanejad's acceptance by the fans, players, and media as Rangers MVP sends a clear message. Regardless of the direction of President and General Manager Chris Drury's retool, #93 remains the foundational piece that this organization is built upon.
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