Mika Zibanejad’s Remarkable Achievements
Mika Zibanejad, the former first-round draft pick of the Ottawa Senators, is kicking off the New Year with remarkable achievements. On Friday, he received the exciting news that he is set to play for Sweden in the upcoming Olympic Games, joining well-known players like Erik Karlsson and Filip Gustavsson, both former Senators as well.
Historic Milestone in the NHL Winter Classic
Later that same day, Zibanejad achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first player ever to score a hat trick during the NHL Winter Classic. His impressive performance propelled the New York Rangers to a decisive 5-1 victory over the Florida Panthers at loanDepot park in Miami. Additionally, Zibanejad recorded a career-high five points in the matchup, a feat that is also a first for the Winter Classic.
Reflecting on his extraordinary day, Zibanejad expressed to reporters, “It’s hard to grasp the whole day like that, but yeah, it’s been a great 12, 16 hours. It’s been a fun day.”
Unlike traditional Winter Classics known for their cold weather, this one took place in balmy Florida, just six kilometers from a beach. Despite the lack of winter conditions, the Rangers have thrived, boasting an undefeated record of 6-0-0 in outdoor games.
Career Overview and Reflection
This season, Zibanejad has amassed 35 points in 42 games, prompting many Senators fans to ponder his departure from Ottawa. Drafted sixth overall in 2011, Zibanejad’s journey in the NHL started with promise; his early seasons in Ottawa saw him record around 40 points. However, following gradual improvement, including seasons with 46 and 51 points, he was traded by then-general manager Pierre Dorion in July 2016. Zibanejad, still only 23 and poised for a significant contract increase, was exchanged for veteran center Derick Brassard—who had a more favorable contract balance at the time.
Zibanejad’s time with the Rangers began solidly, but it wasn’t until his third season that he truly blossomed into a standout player, now boasting impressive statistics over his tenure in New York with 624 points in 691 games. As he prepares to reach 1,000 career games upon returning from Italy, the sentiment of what could have been lingers for Senators fans, who are left with a collection of memories marked “The Ones That Got Away.”
Celebration and Recognition
On a memorable Friday evening, after the game, Zibanejad celebrated by joining the NHL on TNT broadcast, where he was playfully showered with artificial snow. His performance earned him recognition as the game’s Most Valuable Player, and he received a distinctive Winter Classic necklace from his former teammate and fellow countryman, Henrik Lundqvist.
