The 2017-18 season is Mika Zibanejad’s second season with the New York Rangers, and his first since signing a five-year, $26.75 million extension. Heading into this season there were numerous expectations surrounding Zibanejad following the departure of Derek Stepan, as the transaction thrust him into the No. 1 center position.
Management only got a glimpse of him the season prior, as his first year on Broadway was limited to 56 games after breaking his fibula in November 2016. So far this season, Zibanejad has appeared in all but nine games (concussion), and his 41 games can analyzed to see how he stacks up against other first-line centers in the league.