Mika Zibanejad is the 12th best center in the NHL, per the NHL Network’s 2023 rankings. Zibanejad was also 29th in the NHL Network’s top 50 players right now, so the Rangers clearly have their 1C identified. Those ahead of him include the usual suspects like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. Those ahead of Zibanejad that may spark debate are Jack Eichel and possibly Tage Thompson. The others ahead of him should be accepted, at least in my opinion.
Zibanejad’s time with the Rangers has been nothing short of fantastic.