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 Rangers’ most consistent playmakers down the middle, Sullivan believes the switch could open new opportunities for the team’s offensive structure.

Zibanejad, a natural center, has long been the engine of the Rangers’ 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. “Mika’s skill set is versatile enough that he can excel in multiple roles,” Sullivan explained. “Shifting him to the wing gives us more options to create matchups and balance the lineup.”

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.

For Zibanejad, who has consistently been among the team’s leaders in goals and power-play success, the change may provide a fresh dynamic. While some fans might be hesitant to see their top center shifted, Sullivan stressed that the move is about adaptation and flexibility in pursuit of a championship.

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 Sullivan’s leadership.

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