In the world of hockey, the Rangers are experiencing a fascinating juxtaposition of careers. On one side, you've got the fresh-faced rookie Drew Fortescue, who just inked his entry-level contract. Fortescue, at 20, is eagerly waiting to hit the ice for his NHL debut, with 11 games left in the season to make his mark.
Then there's Mika Zibanejad, a seasoned veteran gearing up for his 1,000th NHL game against the Senators. It's a poetic milestone, considering Ottawa was the team that drafted him back in 2011. The trade that brought him to New York in 2016, exchanging him for Derick Brassard, set the stage for his impactful tenure with the Rangers.
Zibanejad has been a cornerstone for the Rangers, guiding them through their previous rebuild. Now, as they enter another transition phase, his leadership will be crucial for nurturing talents like Fortescue and Gabe Perreault.
Despite his contributions, Zibanejad's name often doesn't come up when fans talk about the Rangers' all-time greats. He's not as universally celebrated as legends like Rod Gilbert or Mark Messier, yet his influence is undeniable.
In his 10th season with the Rangers, Zibanejad is steadily climbing the franchise's record books. He recently notched his 30th goal of the season, tying him with Adam Graves for fourth-most goals in team history.
His prowess on the power play has already secured him the top spot in franchise history for power play goals. Add to that his two hat tricks this season, tying him with Bill Cook for the most three-goal games.
Rangers coach Mike Sullivan reflected on Zibanejad's 1,000-game milestone, highlighting the rarity and significance of such an achievement. Sullivan pointed out that it speaks volumes about Zibanejad's passion, talent, and dedication to the game.
Zibanejad truly came into his own post-2018's rebuild letter, hitting 30 goals in 2018-19 and an impressive 41 in just 57 games the following season. From 2018 to 2025, he amassed 443 points in 439 games, playing a pivotal role as the Rangers reached the Eastern Conference finals twice.
As the Rangers embark on what GM Chris Drury calls a "retool," Zibanejad is aware of the changes. He acknowledges it's a different scenario from the 2018 rebuild, with shifts in management and player dynamics.
Despite a challenging previous season, Zibanejad is bouncing back strong with 30 goals and 67 points in 69 games this year. As he approaches 33, there's uncertainty about how long he can maintain his prime form. Yet, his loyalty to the Rangers remains steadfast, even as questions arise about his willingness to waive his no-move clause for a potential trade.
Zibanejad's dedication and growing legacy should elevate his standing among fans. He's not just a player; he's a vital part of the Rangers' history, and his contributions should be cherished now more than ever.