Mika Zibanejad thriving again while becoming bridge to Rangers future

Rangers center has revived his career and is mentoring young stars Gabe Perreault and Alexis Lafrenière

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:20am

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An abstract, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, capturing the energy and movement of the sport.Mika Zibanejad's leadership and mentorship have been instrumental in guiding the Rangers' young stars as the franchise transitions to its next era.Tarrytown Today

Mika Zibanejad has played a key role in the development of young Rangers stars Gabe Perreault and Alexis Lafrenière this season, helping them thrive on the top line while also enjoying a resurgent campaign of his own. After questions swirled about his future with the team last year, Zibanejad has silenced the doubters and become a bridge to the Rangers' next era.

Why it matters

Zibanejad's leadership and mentorship of Perreault and Lafrenière is crucial for the Rangers as they look to build around their young core and transition to the next phase of the franchise. His revival also shows the team's faith in him was warranted, and he can continue to be a key piece as they work to climb back up the standings.

The details

Zibanejad has scored 33 goals and recorded 75 points this season, his most since the 2022-23 campaign. He has played an integral role in the success of rookies Perreault (10 goals, 25 points) and former No. 1 overall pick Lafrenière (22 goals, 52 points) on the top line. Head coach Mike Sullivan praised Zibanejad's quiet leadership and mentorship, noting how he works with the young wingers on the bench to help them understand the game. Zibanejad recently skated in his 1,000th career game and is fifth all-time in Rangers history in points.

  • Zibanejad said he had no plans of going anywhere and believed in the Rangers group last year, when the team was in the midst of disassembling its core.
  • This season, Zibanejad has enjoyed a resurgent campaign, recording his most goals and points since the 2022-23 season.

The players

Mika Zibanejad

A veteran center for the New York Rangers who has played an integral role in mentoring the team's young stars and enjoying a resurgent season of his own.

Gabe Perreault

A 20-year-old rookie winger for the Rangers who has thrived playing on the top line alongside Zibanejad, recording 10 goals and 25 points so far this season.

Alexis Lafrenière

A 24-year-old winger and former No. 1 overall draft pick who has also benefited from playing on the top line with Zibanejad, scoring 22 goals and 52 points this season.

Mike Sullivan

The head coach of the New York Rangers, who praised Zibanejad's quiet leadership and mentorship of the team's young stars.

Chris Drury

The president and general manager of the New York Rangers, who initiated a retool of the team's core last year.

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What they’re saying

“I think he takes responsibility for helping some of the younger guys. Mika's not a real rah-rah guy, but I think he's a quiet leader and these are some of the ways that it manifests itself.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach, New York Rangers

“It would've been easy to play along with what happened last year and have that be the truth, but I feel like the belief in myself and what I'm capable of doing and what I think I can do, and then obviously from the coaching staff, it's been a good mix.”

— Mika Zibanejad

What’s next

The Rangers will look to finish the season strong and continue building around their young core of Perreault, Lafrenière, and others, with Zibanejad serving as a veteran leader and mentor.

The takeaway

Mika Zibanejad's resurgence and leadership in mentoring the Rangers' young stars has been a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for the team. His ability to guide players like Perreault and Lafrenière will be crucial as the franchise transitions to its next era.