Former NHL player Sean Avery didn’t hold back after the New York Rangers’ 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings, putting star forward Mika Zibanejad on blast for what he called a lackluster performance. During a 20-second clip Avery dissected on social media, he criticized Zibanejad’s effort and accused him of “hiding” on the ice and going for “easy backdoor plays.” Avery even threw in a jab about Zibanejad “DJing in Ibiza all summer,” implying the Rangers star hadn’t been fully committed to the season’s grind. “Bear down, Mika, bear down,” Avery scolded. “The season’s started, Mika.”
Despite Avery’s critique, Zibanejad recorded three points in the game—a goal and two assists—marking his first points of the 2024-25 season. Still, Avery’s comments stirred debate among fans and analysts alike, especially considering Zibanejad’s pivotal role as he enters the third year of his $68 million, eight-year deal with New York. Analyst Sean McIndoe of The Athletic also weighed in recently on Zibanejad’s contract, noting that the 31-year-old’s full no-movement clause could become problematic for the Rangers as he ages. McIndoe called the deal a “narrow ‘bad,’” suggesting that while Zibanejad still produces, the team may struggle with the cap hit in his later years.
Meanwhile, Zibanejad acknowledged that he and linemates Chris Kreider and newcomer Reilly Smith are still working on their chemistry. “We’re close to clicking,” Zibanejad said. “It’s frustrating when we don’t connect, but we’re sticking to it.” The Rangers have high hopes for the top line, and Zibanejad remains confident they’ll find their rhythm soon. However, with Avery’s critiques echoing online and the pressure of his high-value contract looming, the heat is on Zibanejad to elevate his game as the season unfolds.
