Coach Mike Sullivan Has Expressed Mike Zibanejad’s Potential Position Change To Wing
The New York Rangers could be preparing for a tactical shakeup as head coach Mike Sullivan has openly discussed the possibility of moving star forward Mika Zibanejad from his usual center role to the wing. While Zibanejad has thrived as one of the Rangersโ most consistent playmakers down the middle, Sullivan believes the switch could open new opportunities for the teamโs offensive structure.
Zibanejad, a natural center, has long been the engine of the Rangersโ top line, combining elite vision with a dangerous shot. However, Sullivan pointed out that the flexibility to play on the wing could benefit both the player and the team. โMikaโs skill set is versatile enough that he can excel in multiple roles,โ Sullivan explained. โShifting him to the wing gives us more options to create matchups and balance the lineup.โ
The potential move comes at a time when the Rangers are exploring ways to maximize depth at center. With players like Vincent Trocheck and Filip Chytil anchoring the middle, sliding Zibanejad to wing could allow Sullivan to stack scoring lines while maintaining defensive stability. It may also reduce some of the two-way responsibilities that come with playing center, giving Zibanejad more freedom to focus on offensive production.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Zibanejad handles the transition. If the experiment works, the Rangers could unlock a new offensive dimension under Sullivanโs leadership.