One of the most polarizing players for the New York Rangers as of late is 32-year-old forward Mika Zibanejad.
After a disappointing 2023-24 season by his standards finishing with 26 goals and 46 assists for 72 points. Zibanejad was looking to get off to a hot start and bounce back in 2024-25. However, this season has been anything but a resurgence, and in many ways, it has been an even bigger step back. Through 61 games, he has managed just 13 goals and 31 assists for 44 points. On top of that, his plus/minus rating sits at -18, tied for 25th worst in the NHL.
Lately, though, there have been signs of life in Zibanejad’s game. He has started to look more like his 2022-23 self, and a big reason for that has been the addition of newly acquired forward J.T. Miller.
What has Zibanejad's revitalization looked like so far with J.T. Miller?
Since the Miller trade, Zibanejad has recorded four goals and 11 assists for a total of 15 points in 11 games. He has been moved to the wing alongside Miller, a position he has rarely played during his time with the New York Rangers. Since February 1st, Zibanejad ranks second in the NHL in points (15).
Not only has his point production increased after the trade, but his speed and intensity also seem to have elevated. He has been more noticeable on the forecheck and is shooting the puck more frequently. A key factor in this shift has been Rangers Head Coach Peter Laviolette’s decision to move Zibanejad to right wing instead of his usual center position. This adjustment has allowed him to focus more on offense without the defensive responsibilities that come with playing center.
The addition of Miller has allowed Zibanejad to play more of a support role in the offensive zone, where he excels. Miller is doing all the dirty work when it comes to forechecking, being physical, and winning puck battles. As a result, Mika is finding more open space and getting the puck in better positions, allowing him to take quality shots and facilitate passes for goals and scoring chances. Even with all of this, it appears Miller has roped Zibanejad in, as he is forechecking harder and, surprisingly, playing a more physical game. It is also possible to that his transition from center to wing can also attribute to his more tenacious play.
It is still early, but so far, this looks like a slam-dunk trade for the New York Rangers. Perhaps the biggest impact has been getting one of their best players who had struggled mightily and now starting playing closer to his usual standard. The Rangers have 21 games left and currently hold the last wild-card spot. If this team wants to make noise this year, both in securing a playoff spot and making a run once they get there, Zibanejad needs to be a consistent factor on the ice every game. The early results are promising, but only time will tell if the addition of Miller will fully revitalize Zibanejad and return him to the player he once was.