New York Rangers’ 2025-26 Report Cards: Mika Zibanejad

Many of the New York Rangers’ key veterans struggled as they finished with the worst record in the Eastern Conference, but there were some bright spots. Many of their rookies showed promise, and after struggling in 2024-25, Mika Zibanejad bounced back and had a great season.

2025-26 Performance

In 2024-25, Zibanejad uncharacteristically struggled defensively and had far too many giveaways. His timing was off, and he was inaccurate on passes and shots. He did play better late in the season and ended with 20 goals and 42 assists, but it was a disappointing season, and the Rangers missed the playoffs after winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023-24.

Zibanejad is 33 years old now, and there were fears his play was going to continue declining, but from the start of the season, he was much sharper. He cut down on the sloppy giveaways that plagued him in 2024-25, and he was more accurate with his shot. He was noticeable on the forecheck and finished with 105 hits after having just 44 in the previous season. He helped consistently generate scoring chances at even strength, even though the Rangers struggled offensively.

In addition to his strong play at even strength, Zibanejad was great on special teams. He got his slap shots on goal and also scored on wrist shots on the power play. He led the team in power-play goals with 16, and no one else finished with more than nine. He also tied Adam Fox for the team lead in power-play assists with 19.

Zibanejad was also excellent on the penalty kill, using his reach to get into shooting and passing lanes, and his strength to win one-on-one battles for the puck. He also used his speed to create some shorthanded scoring chances and tied for the team lead with two shorthanded goals.

While the Rangers never consistently produced offensively this season, Zibanejad was their most consistent player. He was their best goal scorer, and he also used his vision to create lots of scoring chances for his linemates. He earned his role as the team’s top center and played very well alongside young wingers Alexis Lafreniere and Gabe Perreault. He finished the season with 34 goals and 44 assists in 81 games while winning 52.5 percent of his faceoffs.

Role Next Season

The Rangers have three veteran centers in Zibanejad, J.T. Miller, and Vincent Trocheck, but Zibanejad was their best one in 2025-26. His line with Lafreniere and Perreault was the team’s best one, and they consistently generated chances at even strength once they started playing together in the second half of the season. They should continue to play together next season, and the hope is that both wingers will continue to develop and improve.

Zibanejad should also continue to play a big role on special teams next season. The Rangers traded away Artemi Panarin, who was excellent on the power play throughout his time with them, but they still have an elite playmaker in Fox. They will rely on Zibanejad, who has a great shot to capitalize on his scoring chances, and continue producing on the man advantage.

In addition to his offensive production, Zibanejad is still a very strong defensive player who can be trusted in all situations. He should also continue to be an important penalty killer, and he can quickly turn defense into offense.

Overall Grade

Zibanejad was excellent for the entire season and earned an A for his play. He produced offensively at even strength and on the power play, and he was also a reliable forward defensively. At 33, the hope is that he will continue playing at this level and get more help from his teammates next season.