4. A Return to Greatness for Mika Zibanejad
Similar to Kreider, center and alternate captain Mika Zibanejad has just not been the same this year. Zibanejad’s struggles this season have been evident across all areas of his game, but nowhere are they more glaring than in his offensive production—or lack thereof. At 5v5, where the Rangers have been woefully ineffective, Zibanejad has failed to provide the play-driving ability expected of a top center. His scoring rates have plummeted compared to previous seasons, and his inability to generate sustained offensive pressure has left his linemates unable to thrive.
Zibanejad’s struggles go beyond declining production. His offensive play has cratered, his defensive effort is nonexistent, and his continued presence in key roles, like on the power play and 6v5, actively hurts the team. Making matters worse, his contract includes a no-movement clause that ties him to the Rangers until a week before the 2030 trade deadline.
In his heyday, the center was a star producer for New York. Wishing a return to grace for Zibanejad is something all Rangers fans are likely asking for.
5. A New General Manager
While not all Rangers fans may be asking for this, after Jacob Trouba and Kaapo Kakko have been traded away in exchange for players who are less than their caliber, unhappiness with General Manager Chris Drury have only grown. In fact, there have been rumors the New York Rangers reportedly held players only meeting to dicuss that Drury is one of their biggest problems as of late.
Now, some may point to the fact that this has since been debunked — but what are the players supposed to say when asked about it? As soon as Kakko expressed his frustrations, he was traded to Seattle. The point is simple; whether or not it is any form of Drury's fault, a change is needed. And if they player's aren't happy with him, that change should be getting rid of Drury.