Blue Line Station
Fansided

Why Mika Zibanejad’s shift to the wing could redefine his Rangers career

Mika Zibanejad may be moving to the wing, and the change could spark a major turnaround in his Rangers career.
ByJustin Bonhard|
Apr 17, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) celebrates with left wing Will Cuylle (50) after scoring a goal in the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Apr 17, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) celebrates with left wing Will Cuylle (50) after scoring a goal in the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers are just a day away from starting the 2025-26 season with some preseason action. There are a ton of new storylines to unravel from this offseason, and if you have been following along here at Blue Line Station, you probably have seen our extensive coverage on all of it.

There is one storyline that has become apparent, and it is a fresh take on a veteran player looking to revitalize his career. Mika Zibanejad, who will be without his best friend and oldest linemate Chris Kreider this upcoming season, now faces an additional obstacle for the upcoming season.

Let's talk about what it is and how they can possibly fix it, and his legacy as a Ranger.

Zibanejad has to overcome Zibanejad

This has been a growing trend over the past few seasons, with last season really putting things into perspective for not only the Rangers faithful but the upper management of this organization. Zibanejad has to get out of his own way.

Sure, the Rangers face a logjam at the center position with basically three players that can be a first-line center on just about every team in the NHL: Vincent Trocheck, J.T. Miller, and Zibanejad. But, the numbers do not lie that as these years have gone on, so has a lack of meaningful production from no. 93.

He can overcome this issue with just one move. A hard move, considering he has been a center for the entirety of his career.

Move him to the wing and watch him go

The Rangers have to fit Zibanejad over to the wing. As a right-handed shot, and with a lack thereof, it only makes sense to throw him on the right side. One interesting opening night first-line combo could be Will Cuylle on the left side, Miller in the middle, and throw Z-Bad on the right. That could be a dynamite line to get the 2025-26 season started.

This also frees up Trocheck to command that second line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafrenière. In this instance, everybody wins.

Especially Zibanejad, as the pressure of being that 1C goes away, and his focus can be on solely scoring goals and creating offense with two really good offensive weapons. This could be a refreshing restart for him, as he enters his 15th NHL season.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations