What the Rangers Need from Their 32-Year-Old Winger Next Season

An interesting season awaits the New York Rangers, with an interesting choice to be made. After an unfortunate season, fans question whether this team can turn things around or begin retooling. While this roster may hold the potential to earn a postseason spot, all must do their part if that’s to be possible. If the Blueshirts are hoping for a bounce-back, players must be better, and a few players are definitely in need of improvement. While New York has players like Artemi Panarin, Will Cuylle, and Adam Fox who do their jobs, a certain veteran has been declining recently. Over the last two seasons, Mika Zibanejad has experienced a big decline, not having any speed, turning the pucks over, and an overall lack of defense. As another season approaches, and for the first time without his teammate and best friend Chris Kreider, what can fans expect his role to be this season?

For the last two years, Zibanejad's points have dropped, leaving it quite concerning. Beginning last season roughly, Mika did end the season off on a positive note, giving fans some hope that the 32-year-old can still produce. One of the largest reasons for this decline was last season's power-play, probably his weakest part of each game. For the first time since his first season as a New York Ranger, Zibanejad had the fewest points on the power-play, a large reason why they fell 28th in the league. Declining from 20 power-play goals in 2022-2023 to seven power-play goals last season is nothing but concerning; he must be better. Mika has been known for his one-timer, a one-timer that was known for being so lethal, especially in the 2022 postseason, and has barely been able to get it off as much as usual. As his decline screams a concern, can he still turn things around next season?

With Kreider now gone, Mika will have the opportunity next season for a fresh start. Not just the start of a new season, but the start of being under a new head coach. Though it’s hard to tell if Peter Laviolette's system was the cause of his decline, perhaps Mike Sullivan's style of play will prove useful for the 32-year-old winger. Sadly, it’s more likely his decline is simply a sign of his prime coming to an end, possibly suggesting his time as a Ranger is coming to an end. Looking to be put on a line with J.T. Miller and Cuylle, Zibanejad needs that shooting mentality he once had to hope for a turnaround season. If another decline in points happens this season, it seems there would be no role left for their star center. A whole 82 more games for Zibanejad to turn things around, fans can only hope this winger still has what it takes to play alongside the Blueshirts.