Why the Rangers’ Immediate Future May Hinge on Where Mike Sullivan Plays Mika Zibanejad
The New York Rangers made waves this offseason by bringing in veteran head coach Mike Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup champion known for his structure, discipline, and offensive systems. As the team looks to take the next step after another underwhelming playoff exit, one of the biggest decisions Sullivan will face isn’t about trades or free agents—it’s about where he deploys one of his most important players: Mika Zibanejad.
The Rangers’ immediate future could very well be shaped by how Sullivan utilizes the Swedish center. Whether Zibanejad remains the team’s top-line pivot, shifts into a more specialized role, or even sees his minutes redistributed, the impact will ripple through the entire lineup.
Zibanejad’s Value in the Lineup
At 32 years old, Zibanejad remains a top-tier two-way forward in the NHL. He’s coming off another productive season, tallying 27 goals and 43 assists in 78 games. His speed, shot, and intelligence make him dangerous at both even strength and on the power play. Defensively, he’s often the Rangers’ go-to guy in key matchups, tasked with shutting down opposing stars.
But despite his steady numbers, questions about whether Zibanejad is still a true number-one center have been quietly building. He occasionally struggles in the faceoff circle, and his production has been streaky, especially in the postseason. Under previous coach Peter Laviolette, Zibanejad shouldered a heavy workload, often playing over 20 minutes a night in all situations.
Now, with Sullivan in charge, the question becomes: does he double down on Zibanejad as the engine of the offense, or tweak the lineup to create more balance?
Sullivan’s System and Center Depth
Sullivan’s teams have always emphasized fast, structured play built around responsible centers who can play in all three zones. During his time in Pittsburgh, he deployed Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in complementary ways—sometimes pairing one with strong two-way wingers, other times staggering their minutes to maintain scoring pressure throughout the game.
If he takes a similar approach in New York, Sullivan may consider splitting ice time more evenly between Zibanejad and the emerging Filip Chytil. Chytil, now healthy, offers speed and upside and could be ready to take on more offensive responsibility. Vincent Trocheck, another dependable center, also gives Sullivan flexibility to spread the load.
There’s even a possibility that Zibanejad could see more specialized usage—like top power-play minutes and defensive zone starts—while Chytil or Trocheck handle more offensive zone faceoffs. This kind of redistribution could extend Zibanejad’s prime while maximizing team performance.
Impact on Line Combinations
Where Zibanejad plays will directly affect the composition of the Rangers’ top six. If Sullivan keeps him on the top line, expect familiar faces like Chris Kreider and Kaapo Kakko to flank him, preserving chemistry and veteran stability. However, if Sullivan drops Zibanejad to the second line to spread the offense, Artemi Panarin or Alexis Lafrenière could see top-line duties, giving the Rangers a new-look attack that’s harder to defend.
Shifting Zibanejad’s role could also allow younger players like Brennan Othmann or Gabe Perreault to play up the lineup, accelerating their development in meaningful roles. It’s a delicate balancing act—one that Sullivan has managed well in the past, but one that will define his first season behind the Rangers’ bench.
Zibanejad’s Leadership Role
No matter where he plays, Zibanejad’s influence in the locker room is undeniable. He’s been a quiet leader, a mentor to younger players, and a constant professional through good and bad seasons. Sullivan will likely lean on Zibanejad not only for his on-ice contributions but for helping the team buy into the new system and expectations.
However, if his minutes are cut or his role is altered too drastically, there’s a risk of disrupting chemistry. Managing that transition will be key for Sullivan, who must ensure the move is seen as strategic rather than punitive.
The Bigger Picture
The Rangers are in win-now mode. Their core is veteran-heavy, the window is open, and patience from fans and ownership is wearing thin after consecutive playoff disappointments. Zibanejad’s usage could be the linchpin for Sullivan’s strategy. Get it right, and the Rangers could unlock a more balanced, explosive team that thrives under pressure. Get it wrong, and they risk another year of inconsistency and unmet expectations.
In many ways, Sullivan’s arrival signals a shift toward more structure and accountability. But how he handles his top center may be the clearest early sign of what the “new” Rangers will look like.
Zibanejad isn’t going anywhere. But where he plays—first line, second line, power play, penalty kill—might just determine whether the Rangers finally break through or continue circling in frustration.
Leave a Reply