Rangers’ season hinges on Zibanejad’s role as Sullivan crafts new era amid lineup puzzles and Eastern Conference pressure
The New York Rangers find themselves grappling with the lingering effects of last season’s disappointing end. As they enter training camp, the team’s ability to rebound hinges largely on the performance of Mika Zibanejad. With Mike Sullivan at the helm, the opening days of camp represent the first significant test of his leadership and vision for the franchise.
Zibanejad’s Positioning and Impact
Sullivan has indicated that he envisions Zibanejad starting the camp on the right wing alongside J.T. Miller. This pairing has shown promise in the past, outscoring opponents 14-12 across 259 five-on-five minutes, while also boasting a favorable expected goal share. Their chemistry proved to be a vital lifeline for a Rangers team that struggled to find its footing.
However, this strategic move creates a conundrum for the Rangers. With Zibanejad positioned on the wing, the absence of depth down the center becomes glaring. If Vincent Trocheck steps in as the No. 2 center, the team faces a critical decision on who should fill the third-line center role. Juuso Pärssinen appears to be the leading candidate, but his lack of extensive experience—having never played more than 48 games in a single season—raises concerns. Alternative options like Jonny Brodzinski or Sam Carrick come with their own limitations, lacking the pedigree of a top-nine center.
Sliding Zibanejad back to center could alleviate some of these worries, yet it would strain an already thin group of wingers. Sullivan’s choices in this regard will not only impact individual players but also shape the overall identity of the Rangers as they navigate the upcoming season.
The Consistency Question
Just as vital as Zibanejad’s position is his performance consistency. The veteran’s 2024-25 season was a tale of two halves: a lackluster start followed by a resurgence that saw him score 14 goals and amass 41 points in the final 46 games. This late-season surge hinted at the skill that once defined him as a cornerstone of the Rangers’ lineup.
However, the underlying statistics paint a more complex picture. When separated from Miller, Zibanejad’s expected goals rate dropped to 47.47%. Conversely, Miller’s performance without Zibanejad plummeted to 37.98%, suggesting that Miller gained more from their partnership than Zibanejad did. This raises critical questions about Zibanejad’s ability to be a driving force on his own and whether he can carry a line without the support of a player like Miller.
With Chris Kreider’s departure and Artemi Panarin facing a contract year, the Rangers’ offensive success rests heavily on Zibanejad’s ability to replicate his second-half performance. Should he revert to his early-season struggles, the pressure could become untenable for his teammates.
Sullivan’s Challenge Ahead
Sullivan’s arrival was intended to mend the Rangers’ fractured culture, yet the effectiveness of his leadership may ultimately hinge on Zibanejad’s performance. The franchise must determine if Zibanejad can still be the centerpiece around which they build, or if his role is better suited as a complementary piece moving forward.
Time is of the essence for the Rangers. The Eastern Conference is shaping up to be fiercely competitive, and a poor start could leave them in a precarious position. Thus, Sullivan’s decision regarding Zibanejad’s role is more than just a storyline for training camp; it stands as one of the pivotal moments that could define the Rangers’ season. All eyes will undoubtedly be on No. 93 as camp unfolds, adding layers of intrigue to an already crucial period for the franchise.
