Mika Zibanejad’s historic day in Philadelphia is a reminder of his steady place in Rangers history

The makeup of the New York Rangers is bound to change in the coming weeks and months in the wake of the Letter 2.0, and Saturday's record-breaking performance by Mika Zibanejad is just the latest reminder of his historical standing within the organization. Zibanejad has been a fixture in New York since the 2016-17 season, so that means he was around before the Letter 1.0, and his no movement clause should ensure he remains around post Letter 2.0. Nothing is guaranteed, but regardless of what does or doesn't happen, Zibanejad should be remember as one of the greatest modern Rangers.

Zibanejad stands alone in the record book for power play goals

The fourth goal of the game, and Zibanejad's second, was the 117th power-play goal he has scored a a member of the Rangers. The record had been held for years by Camille Henry, and it was a mark that Chris Kreider equaled before he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks. Zibanejad is a talented goal scorer that has a booming one-timer that is one of the best in the league. He's also been quite adept at picking his spots, and that was the case on Saturday afternoon.

Zibanejad made additional history with his final goal of the game

The Rangers' leading goal scorer didn't just set a new record on Saturday, he also tied a mark that was previously solely held by an original franchise legend. Zibanejad picked up his second hat trick of the month, and it was his ninth hat trick as a Rangers which ties him with Bill Cook.

Cook appeared in 475 games with the Rangers across 11 seasons, and ended his career with 228 goals and 138 assists for 366 points. Zibanejad's record-tying goal came in his 697th game as a Blueshirt, so Cook still deserves kudos for his efficiency as a "volume" scorer.

What's up next for Zibanejad?

Zibanejad's immediate future with the Rangers is unknown, and there's no reason to think he will want to waive his NMC given his comfort in New York. If he does decide to stay, there's a good chance he will continue to climb up the charts and push for some team records.

He currently sits in 7th place for total points with 635 in 697 games. Directly ahead of him sits Walt Tkaczuk with 678 points in 945 games, Mark Messier with 691 points in 698 games, and Andy Bathgate in fourth place with 729 points in 719 games. After that is the top three that has Jean Ratelle with 817 points, Brian Leetch with 981 points, and Rod Gilbert with 1,021 points. It is certainly possible that Zibanejad will continue to climb, although claiming the top spot may be a tough one. The top four is likely, and the top three could be doable if the Rangers make a resurgence with him still in the fold.

In terms of goals, Zibanejad sits in 6th place with 271 goals. Next up on the list are Bathgate with 272 goals, Adam Graves with 280 goals, Chris Kreider with 326 goals, and Ratelle with 336 goals. Rod Gilbert remains atop the mount with 406 goals, which is only 135 away. Zibanejad turns 33 in April, and still has a lot of hockey left in him. If he's truly found his scoring touch again, he could accomplish the feat if he's able to average between 25 and 30 goals for the rest of his Blueshirt career.

With all of that said, what Zibanejad is accomplishing this season is a reminder of how talented a hockey player he is. Last year was a down year for him, but he finished the year strong after J.T. Miller was acquired from Vancouver. He's been able to carry that success over, and he now has 21 goals, 25 assists, and 46 points in 48 games after posting a line of 20-42-62 in 82 games last season. Zibanejad can be a focal point of the next iteration of Rangers, but if both parties decided it was time to move on, there will be zero doubt of his overall standing in the history of the franchise.