Mika Zibanajed – NHL 2011 Draft Prospect Profile

 

Please “Click Here” for “Notes Up Front” and the “Legend” for various topics covered below in my “Live Updated” NHL 2011 Draft Preview article.

Mika Zibanajed

 

Born: Huddinge, Sweden
DOB: April 18, 1993
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 192 lbs
Position: Center/Wing
Shoots: Right

 

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2011

One-Timer:

Centers who can play on a team’s top two lines come at a premium in today’s NHL. Whether overpaying in free agency or via trade, these types of pivots just don’t come cheap. Most General Managers have come to this conclusion and have targeted them heavily come Draft Day.

With that in mind, Swedish born Mike Zibanajed comes highly touted. A center with the ability to shift to the wing, Zibanajed brings size, skill and toughness to the table, and the projection as a future top six centerman. It’s no wonder his name has darted to the tops of many draft lists, with his Youtube videos becoming a top search amongst draft eligible players.

Top Prospects Game: Did not participate – CHL only.

Statistics:

Scout’s Honor:

“Mika’s a real power forward but also has soft hands, good vision and fine skating skills,” NHL Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb told NHL.com. “He has tremendous balance and is hard to knock off the puck. He’s very strong in the battles along the boards, finishes checks with authority and has a heavy shot that he gets off quickly.”
– (NHL.com)

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“Suffered due to playing on the wing with struggling (Victor) Rask who was unable to deliver the puck. Very good hands, receives tough passes well in stride. Makes saucer passes through traffic. Has vision and creativity- frankly is more natural at centre. Drives the net hard.”– Red Line Report, March, 2011

Bio/Interview(s)/Link(s):

  • · NHL.Com – Sweden’s Zibanejad’s skills a secret no more
  • · The Hockey News – International Scouting Services: Mika Zibanejad prospect report

International Tournaments

  • Played for Team Sweden at the Under 16’s, Under 17’s and Under 18’s.

ETA = 2-3 yrs

Risk-Reward Analysis:

Risk = 1.5/5   Reward = 4.0/5

NHL Potential:

Scoring Line (Top Six) Center

Strengths:

 

*See “One Timer” section above.

  • Straight-away speed
  • Soft Hands
  • Heavy Shot
  • Plays Physical Hockey
  • Intangibles
  • Good passing
  • Leader – Passionate Player
  • Responsible Backcheck

Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

  • Inability to be elusive
  • First Step Quickness
  • Discipline

Fantasy Hockey Potential: Offensive = 7.5/10   Defensive = 6.5/10

 

Video(s):

 

 

Off The Iron (Interesting Notes):

  • Father is Iranian