Mika Zibanejad is a name that every ice hockey fan knows, particularly for his significant contributions to the New York Rangers in the NHL. Born in Sweden, Zibanejad’s rise to fame has been a remarkable journey. From being drafted sixth overall in 2011 to becoming one of the top centers in the NHL, Zibanejad has proven himself to be a key player for the Rangers. As of 2024, Zibanejad continues to make headlines not just for his on-ice performances, but also for his personal life and impressive contract.
As the Rangers’ alternate captain, Zibanejad has become synonymous with their success in recent years. His offensive skills, leadership on the ice, and dedication to the sport have made him one of the most valuable players in the league. Let’s dive into Zibanejad’s career, his recent contract, personal life, and some other interesting facts about this Swedish superstar.
Key Takeaways
- Mika Zibanejad is a Swedish NHL player, currently an alternate captain for the New York Rangers.
- He was drafted 6th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2011 NHL Draft and later traded to the Rangers in 2016.
- Zibanejad signed a lucrative 8-year contract extension with the Rangers in 2021, valued at $68 million.
- He is known for his excellent offensive skills and two-way play.
- Zibanejad is 31 years old as of 2024 and has played for the Swedish national team in international competitions.
Mika Zibanejad’s Early Life and NHL Career
Mika Zibanejad was born on April 18, 1993, in Huddinge, Sweden. From an early age, Zibanejad showed great promise in ice hockey, ultimately making his way to the NHL. He was drafted by the Ottawa Senators as the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, which marked the beginning of his professional career.
In Ottawa, Zibanejad quickly became a notable player for the Senators. His combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ made him a standout. However, it wasn’t until he was traded to the New York Rangers in 2016 that Zibanejad truly blossomed as a top-line center. With the Rangers, he has cemented his role as a leader and a consistent scorer, particularly known for his powerful shot and ability to make plays in clutch moments.
Mika Zibanejad’s Contract and Future with the Rangers
In October 2021, Zibanejad signed a monumental eight-year contract extension with the New York Rangers, worth $68 million. This deal, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million, solidified Zibanejad’s future in New York for years to come. As one of the highest-paid players on the team, Zibanejad’s contract reflects his importance to the Rangers’ long-term success.
The contract extension not only secures his position on the team but also underscores the Rangers’ belief in Zibanejad’s ability to lead the team toward future championships. His consistency and offensive capabilities have made him an essential part of the team’s core, and this contract ensures he will remain in New York for the foreseeable future.
Mika Zibanejad’s Height, Fantasy Value, and Career Stats
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (187 cm) and weighing 201 pounds (91 kg), Zibanejad’s physical presence on the ice is hard to miss. His size, combined with his exceptional skill set, makes him a formidable opponent for any defenseman.
In terms of career stats, Zibanejad has been a consistent point producer for the Rangers. As of November 2024, he has played 15 games this season, recording 3 goals and 9 assists for a total of 12 points. Over the years, his ability to rack up points has made him a valuable asset in fantasy hockey leagues, where he’s often considered one of the top centers to pick due to his scoring potential.
Mika Zibanejad’s Personal Life – Wife and Interests
While Zibanejad is a well-known figure in the world of ice hockey, he tends to keep his personal life relatively private. He is engaged to his long-time girlfriend, although details about her identity remain largely under wraps. Despite their privacy, the couple often shares glimpses of their life together on social media, and Zibanejad has shown that he enjoys spending time off the ice with his fiancée.
As for hobbies, Zibanejad is also known to have a passion for music. However, while some may associate him with a DJ name, there is no widely recognized musical alias for him. His main focus remains on his hockey career, where he continues to excel.
Mika Zibanejad’s Trade to the Rangers and Impact
One of the most significant moments in Zibanejad’s career came in 2016 when he was traded from the Ottawa Senators to the New York Rangers. The trade, which saw Derick Brassard move to Ottawa in exchange for Zibanejad, proved to be a turning point for both players and teams.
Zibanejad’s move to New York allowed him to step into a larger role, and he quickly became a key player for the Rangers. His offensive production skyrocketed, and he has since been one of the team’s most reliable contributors. The trade, although bittersweet for Ottawa, was a huge success for the Rangers, and Zibanejad has played an instrumental role in their success over the past several seasons.
Mika Zibanejad – Age and Career Outlook
As of 2024, Mika Zibanejad is 31 years old, which is considered a prime age for an NHL player. Despite his age, Zibanejad shows no signs of slowing down, with continued impressive performances and leadership on the ice. Given his contract extension and importance to the Rangers, Zibanejad’s career is likely to remain a prominent one for years to come.
Looking ahead, Zibanejad is expected to continue to be a key player for the Rangers and a significant contributor to their pursuit of an NHL championship. His mix of leadership, skill, and consistency makes him one of the top centers in the league, and his future looks very bright.
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | April 18, 1993, Huddinge, Sweden |
| NHL Draft | 6th overall by Ottawa Senators in 2011 |
| Trade to Rangers | Traded to New York Rangers in 2016 |
| Contract Extension | Signed 8-year, $68 million deal in 2021 |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (187 cm) |
| Weight | 201 pounds (91 kg) |
| Age | 31 years old (as of 2024) |
FAQs
How old is Mika Zibanejad?
Mika Zibanejad is 31 years old as of 2024. He was born on April 18, 1993.
When was Mika Zibanejad drafted?
Zibanejad was drafted 6th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2011 NHL Draft.
What is Mika Zibanejad’s contract?
Mika Zibanejad signed an 8-year contract extension with the New York Rangers in October 2021. The deal is valued at $68 million, with an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million.
Is Mika Zibanejad married?
Mika Zibanejad is engaged to his long-term girlfriend, but not much is publicly known about her.
What are Mika Zibanejad’s career stats like?
As of November 2024, Zibanejad has played 15 games this season, scoring 3 goals and 9 assists for 12 points. Over his career, he has been a consistent point producer for the Rangers.
What is Mika Zibanejad’s height?
Mika Zibanejad stands at 6 feet 2 inches (187 cm) tall.