New York Rangers: Mika Zibanejad Is Ready For The Next Step
Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Mika Zibanejad believes he is ready for a breakout season, which should be exciting news for Blueshirt’s fans.

When the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators swapped their top centers (Derick Brassard and Mika Zibanejad) last month, many Blueshirt fans believed that Zibanejad would likely be a downgrade in the short term.

Zibanejad has other plans.

The 23-year-old addressed the media on Friday morning, where he not only discussed the trade that sent him to New York but also how he wants to take that big “step” this upcoming season.

Here is what he had to say to Andrew Gross of NorthJersey.com:

“As far as where I am this stage of my career, I want to take the next step. I want that to be a big jump. I’ve been trying to take it step by step all the time but I think, I’m waiting and I think people are waiting, for that breakout year and that’s what I’m hoping for and that’s what I’m working towards. I feel I’m ready for that.”

The big Swede recorded 21 goals to go along with 30 assists last year in 80 games with the Ottawa Senators. Those numbers aren’t bad by any means, but he and many other fans obviously believe that he has the potential to be a star in this league.

It will be interesting to see whether he lives up to his expectations while playing under the bright lights of the Big Apple.

NEXT: Rangers: Alain Vigneault Must Bench Marc Staal

I am a rising senior at Chaminade High School who is a die hard New York Rangers, Jets, and Baltimore Orioles fan. I love to write about all thing sports and have my opinion heard.