Huge issue with Mika Zibanejad amid Rangers’ struggles!

The New York Rangers are struggling and everyone is watching. After trading captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, fans almost expected the team to get out of its funk right away. However on Monday night, the Blue Shirts fell to the Chicago Blackhawks, now having lost eight of their last ten games.

With Trouba out of the way, it is now star forward Mika Zibanejad who is feeling the heat and unfortunately for him, the pressure is not helping. According to team insider Larry Brooks of the New York Post, who was a guest on the Spittin Chiclets podcast, Zibanejad is very sensitive and cares “way too much” about what people and media say about him. The star forward reportedly lets it get into his head and spirals.

“I think a lot of the criticism has gone to Zibanejad’s head. He’s very sensitive.

Far too sensitive to what other people say about him.”

Zibanejad is signed at $8.5M AAV until 2030, and has a full no-movement clause in his contract. However, his name has surfaced in trade speculation lately with the Rangers apparently willing to move him if the price is right.

After seeing Trouba get the boot, Zibanejad might be fearing he could be next. However at this time, he can only control what he does on the ice and without a captain at this time, Zibanejad needs to raise his head and play harder to lead his team back to victory. In 27 games this season, Zibanejad has collected five goals and 20 points. New York needs more out of him and he might need to hear it in order to do something about it.

On the season, the Rangers sit 14-12-1, good for 29 points and just a point out of the second wildcard position in the Eastern Conference.