Rangers’ Path Forward Could Depend on Mike Sullivan’s Plans for Mika Zibanejad

Rangers’ Path Forward Could Depend on Mike Sullivan’s Plans for Mika Zibanejad…read more…

With Mike Sullivan stepping in as the new head coach of the New York Rangers, one of his earliest and most critical decisions may revolve around the deployment of veteran center Mika Zibanejad. The Swedish forward has long been a staple of the Rangers’ top six, but recent playoff exits and concerns about aging core players have put his role under a microscope. For a team with Stanley Cup ambitions and a roster built to win now, where and how Sullivan uses Zibanejad could define the team’s immediate future.

 

Zibanejad, 31, has been one of the Rangers’ most productive and consistent forwards since arriving from Ottawa in 2016. With a powerful shot, reliable two-way play, and strong chemistry with longtime linemate Chris Kreider, he has played the majority of his time as the team’s No. 1 center. However, the 2024-25 season exposed cracks in that formula. While Zibanejad still produced at a respectable clip — posting 70 points in 82 games — his playoff performance raised eyebrows. He scored just 1 goal in the team’s seven-game series loss to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final, and his line struggled to create high-danger scoring chances.

 

This postseason regression, combined with the Rangers’ cap-tight roster and growing urgency to win, puts Sullivan in a position where he must re-evaluate everything — starting with Zibanejad’s role. Known for his tactical adaptability and emphasis on accountability, Sullivan will likely assess whether Zibanejad is still best suited for a top-line center role, or whether a shift down the lineup could balance scoring and spark more consistency in five-on-five play.

 

One possible option is moving Zibanejad into more of a second-line center role while elevating a younger pivot like Filip Chytil or giving Vincent Trocheck more time against top competition. This would allow Sullivan to better stagger offensive production and spread playmaking responsibilities. However, such a move would not come without risk. Zibanejad is under contract through 2030 at $8.5 million annually, and altering his role might not sit well with the player or disrupt the chemistry with Kreider.

 

But Sullivan has a track record of making tough calls. In Pittsburgh, he wasn’t afraid to split up longtime pairings like Crosby and Guentzel or to play young forwards in key moments. If Sullivan believes the Rangers’ offense is too top-heavy or predictable — as critics often noted during the 2025 postseason — he may look to retool line combinations early in the season, even if it means Zibanejad takes a step back in offensive deployment.

 

Another angle to consider is special teams usage. While Zibanejad remains a potent weapon on the power play, his even-strength production has waned. Sullivan could lean more on Zibanejad in a situational role, optimizing him for man-advantage situations while lessening his 5-on-5 burden. This would also allow players like Will Cuylle or Kaapo Kakko to see increased minutes in critical five-on-five scenarios, fostering growth and diversifying the attack.

 

Additionally, defensive matchups could factor into Sullivan’s plans. Despite his offensive pedigree, Zibanejad has shown signs of slowing down defensively. His ability to match up against elite opposing centers has diminished somewhat, putting extra pressure on the rest of the roster. If Sullivan deploys Trocheck in more defensive roles — something he excelled at last year — Zibanejad could be shielded and used more selectively, potentially reviving his scoring touch in controlled matchups.

 

Then there’s the locker room dynamic. Zibanejad is widely respected within the organization and serves as one of the team’s alternate captains. A sudden shift in his usage or role could disrupt internal chemistry if not managed carefully. Sullivan, known for his communication skills, will need to walk a fine line between asserting his vision and maintaining the trust of key veterans. Open dialogue and buy-in from Zibanejad will be essential.

 

From a front-office perspective, how Sullivan uses Zibanejad could also influence long-term roster planning. With the Rangers approaching cap constraints and younger players like Brennan Othmann, Gabe Perreault, and Zac Jones vying for larger roles, decisions about veteran ice time could accelerate conversations about future trades or buyouts. If Zibanejad proves he can still drive a line and contribute at a high level, it justifies his cap hit and stabilizes the top six. If not, the team may need to explore difficult decisions — not immediately, but perhaps within the next season or two.

 

Ultimately, Sullivan’s decision regarding Zibanejad is not just about one player — it’s about rebalancing a team teetering between contention and disappointment. The Rangers have the pieces to chase the Stanley Cup again in 2025-26, but they cannot afford another postseason letdown fueled by stagnant line combinations or underperforming stars. Sullivan’s fresh perspective offers a chance to reboot the team’s structure, and Mika Zibanejad — still talented, but now facing questions — stands at the center of that recalibration.

 

Training camp will offer the first hints of Sullivan’s plan. Whether Zibanejad is centering Kreider and Panarin, playing second-line minutes, or seeing a reduced five-on-five role, the ripple effects will be significant. The Rangers are betting that a new voice behind the bench can push them over the top. For Mike Sullivan, that starts with figuring out exactly where Mika Zibanejad fits in a ch

ampionship blueprint.