A Bold Experiment: How Mike Sullivan Plans to Unlock Mika Zibanejad’s Full Potential
NEW YORK — The New York Rangers are at a crossroads. After a disappointing season and the hiring of a new head coach in Mike Sullivan, the team is set for a major transformation. And the biggest gamble of this new era isn’t a blockbuster trade or a free-agent signing—it’s a bold lineup experiment involving one of the team’s cornerstone players, Mika Zibanejad.
For the first time in his career, Zibanejad is expected to start the season as a winger, not a center. This isn’t a temporary fix; it’s the centerpiece of Sullivan’s plan to reshape the Rangers’ top-six forward group and ignite an offense that often sputtered last season.
The Logic Behind the Shift
Zibanejad has long been the Rangers’ No. 1 center, a role he’s held since the trade of Derek Stepan in 2017. He’s a two-way force known for his explosive shot and strong face-off skills. But new addition J.T. Miller, a natural center, has shown undeniable chemistry with Zibanejad.
According to reports, Zibanejad and Sullivan have already discussed the change, with Zibanejad expressing his comfort with the idea. This move isn’t a demotion; it’s about versatility and maximizing the offensive strengths of both players.
“They both have a comfort level playing down low in the defensive zone,” Sullivan said, “They both have a comfort level in the face-off circle with one being a righty and one being a lefty.”
By moving Zibanejad to the wing, Sullivan can keep the dynamic duo together while allowing Miller to take over the crucial face-off duties. This frees up Zibanejad to focus more on offense and less on the grinding defensive responsibilities of a center.
Will It Pay Off?
But if this experiment works, the payoff could be huge. A Zibanejad-Miller combination could become one of the most lethal in the NHL, creating matchup nightmares for opponents and giving the Rangers the kind of explosive top line they’ve been searching for. It also adds a layer of flexibility that will allow Sullivan to adjust lines on the fly as needed.
Training camp will be a true proving ground for this new strategy. All eyes will be on Zibanejad to see if he can thrive in this new role and if Mike Sullivan’s biggest gamble will be the move that finally brings the Rangers back to the top.