The New York Rangers announced on Thursday that center Mika Zibanejad will be out of the lineup with a concussion.
Mika Zibanejad was a late scratch for Tuesday night’s matchup with the Florida Panthers and on Thursday the New York Rangers announced that the 24-year-old is out with a concussion.
On Tuesday morning, the Rangers held a morning practice at Madison Square Garden. Zibanejad skated on his regular line with Chris Kreider and Pavel Buchnevich. David Desharnais was supposed to be a healthy scratch for the Panthers game, but at around 5:30 pm, he was told he would be taking Zibaenad’s spot in the lineup. The Rangers lost 5-4 to the Panthers that night, though Desharnais, Kreider, and Buchnevich each had three points.
Today as the Rangers hit the ice for practice, Zibanejad was not on the ice and once again Desharnais took his spot at practice. As with all concussions, there is no timetable for his return.
Zibanejad has 11 goals and 22 points in 24 games.
Depending on the length of time Zibanejad may be out, the Rangers do have other options for him. Today the Rangers acquired Peter Holland from Montreal in exchange for Adam Cracknell. Holland is a center who played last year for Anaheim and Toronto.
Another option for the Rangers would be to call up first round pick, Filip Chytil. Chytil is currently playing for the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL. He was up with the Rangers at the start of the season but was sent down after three games to help get himself adjusted to the North American style of hockey that is played here in the states.
After tomorrows game against Carolina at home, they have no games until Tuesday night at Pittsburgh.