New York Rangers superstar brutally disrespect by NHL Network List
Mika Zibanejad scored 72 points in the NHL last season, as the Rangers top-line center. He made the top 20 centers list at 19, as the NHL Network released the list this week.
The year prior the 31-year-old center landed at #12, why the disrespect?
This is in contrast to NHL Network ranking Igor Shesterkin as the top goalie in the NHL, and Artemi Panarin the fifth-best winger in the league.
He may have regressed slightly, but he still posted 72 points in 81 games, while last season he posted 91 points, and had 12 power-play goals. A stat that he was second on the team with was on the power play.
Zibanejad has been primarily on the first power-play unit, used at the one-timer position which has increased his power-play goals. His 35 slapshot goals currently rank number one amongst centers in the NHL.
Despite being unfairly criticized for his playoff performance, he was a point-per-game player in 16 games, with 16 points.
Would the Rangers like more offense? Of course, but the Panthers easily shut down the Rangers offense.
It was still a great year for Zibanejad, as the Rangers' number one center, was acquired in 2016 for Derick Brassard and a 7th-round pick in the 2018 NHL draft.
Zibanejad is in year 3 of an 8-year, $68 Million dollar deal which was signed in July of 2021. His AAV is $8.5 Million and has been worth every cent playing on the same line as Chris Kreider.
Source: ForeverBlue Shirts
Rangers star lands at No. 19 in NHL Network's top 20 centers rankings for 2024-25 season
| POLL | ||
Is Mika Zibanejad a top center in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 37 | 56.9 % |
| No | 28 | 43.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
