Is It Time for Alexis Lafrenière to Take Mika Zibanejad’s Spot on the Top Power Play?

Over the last season, New York Rangers forwards Mika Zibanejad and Alexis Lafrenière have taken completely different trajectories. Lafrenière broke out, scoring 28 goals and 29 assists, while Zibanejad managed only 26 goals. Mika's respectable point total came largely from his increased power play time, especially being part of one of the league's best power play units. However, Zibanejad has struggled offensively, scoring just 4 goals at 5-on-5 over his last 61 games, and he simply isn't the same player anymore.

Alexis Lafrenière, on the other hand, has been progressing offensively and last season scored 18 goals with 42 points at 5-on-5. He was given just over a minute per game on the power play. At this point, Lafrenière is the better offensive player and needs more ice time and touches to continue his development. He is showing flashes of becoming an elite player, and if the Rangers want him to reach that potential, they need to give him as much playing time as possible, which will boost both his offensive production and confidence.



In contrast, Mika Zibanejad and Lafrenière have taken different paths over the last season. Lafrenière broke out with 28 goals and 29 assists, while Zibanejad managed only 26 goals. Mika's respectable point total was largely due to his power play involvement, being part of one of the league's best units. However, Zibanejad has struggled offensively, scoring only 4 goals at 5-on-5 over his last 61 games, and he simply isn’t the same player anymore.

It's as simple as this: you want to give your better players more ice time. Zibanejad, as mentioned, is not the same offensive player he once was, while Alexis Lafrenière is on the rise and showing signs of becoming a superstar. Some might argue, "Why mess with something that isn’t broken?"—referring to the Rangers' power play. However, I believe it can improve even more with Lafrenière, adding another option as a left-handed shot from one of the sides.

In 13 games this season, Mika Zibanejad has recorded 2 goals and 9 assists for 11 points, with only 1 goal and 2 assists coming at 5-on-5. On the other hand, Alexis Lafrenière has 5 goals and 6 assists for 11 points, including 4 goals and 6 assists at 5-on-5. Lafrenière is playing better overall and deserves to be given power play time on the top unit over Zibanejad. You might wonder, "What about Mika on the power play?" Zibanejad has 0 power play goals and just 3 assists this season. He hasn’t been effective on the power play, and it’s time for him to be taken off the Rangers' first power play unit. He’s struggling, and accountability needs to be shown. Lafrenière, a young rising star, is performing at a much higher level and deserves to be rewarded for it.

Zibanejad’s ice time has been trending downwards over the last 6-7 games, and the team needs an offensive resurgence. His poor play, coupled with Lafrenière’s strong performance, needs to be taken into account. I believe that putting Lafrenière on the first power play unit will elevate his game even further, allowing him to truly take off. As for Mika, it’s hard to remain hopeful for a turnaround, as his struggles have persisted for nearly two years, and his 5-on-5 issues have bled into his power play performance. Only time will tell, but for the betterment of the team, I truly believe Lafrenière should replace Zibanejad on the top power play unit.