It is very likely that Mika Zibanejad will return to Madison Square Garden, post playing career, and look up toward the rafters like he is in the cover photo of this story. The New York Knicks are the next tenant set to raise a banner, possibly two, but for the Rangers there's no telling what is going up their next short of them winning a championship out of nowhere.
Barring the team making a decision to honor a previous franchise legend, Zibanejad's tenure and performance with the organization has him in a spot where his No. 93 could hang from the ceiling. Why is that the case? Well... whether you realize it or not, the Rangers' longest tenured player is also one of the most accomplished in franchise history, and he's closing in on two impressive milestones.
Zibanejad's contract puts him in a unique position
Zibanejad loves it in New York, and presumably wants to spend the rest of his career playing for the Blueshirts. He has four years left on an eight-year pact finalized back in 2021, and his no movement clause gives him the security to chase down two big milestones as long as he's able to remain healthy and productive.
With 730 games under his belt, Zibanejad has appeared in the 13th most games in franchise history. If he appears in all 84 regular season games in 2026-27, he will sit at 814 which would be good for 10th most. He is 431 games away from setting the franchise record currently held by Harry Howell, and he can appear in a maximum of 336 games on his current contract. Quick math results in him coming up short by 94 games, so he'd need a two-year extension after his current contract expires.
Longevity and productivity will determine whether or not he's able to earn that next deal, and he's able to achieve both those things, then he will be in position to accomplish at least one major milestone which would only strengthen the case to retire his number.
Zibanejad could set new record on current contract
While it isn't super likely, given his recent seasons of production, Zibanejad is 354 points away from tying Rod Gilbert for most points scored as a Ranger. Gilbert had 1,021 points in 1,065 games, and is the only Blueshirt in the 1K club.
Given that he has 336 games left on his contract, Zibanejad would need to average over a point per game if he were to be successful. With that said, it feels like if he is closing in on the points record and comes just short before his contract expires, that will result in a situation where he can hang around to try and claim both records before his time is up in the NHL.
If not Zibanejad, someone else will need to emerge
If Zibanejad can't chase down either record, there's no telling who will be able to do it. At one point in time you'd have thought mabe Alexis Lafreniere, but he hasn't been as productive as many hoped. If not him, maybe Gabe Perreault? Or Alberts Smits for total games played if he debuts this season? Essentially you are looking for a young elite player who can accumulate enough games, and play at a level that will make the Rangers want to keep them.
In any case, it would be nice for Zibanejad to make some new history first. After that happens... I am all for some youngsters starting a new climb to the top over the next decade and beyond!
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