$68,000,000 Rangers star makes his feelings known about constantly reducing time on ice amid performance dip

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Oct 30, 2024 12:35 GMT

Mika Zibanejad, the New York Rangers' center, is unhappy with his reduced ice time this season. He signed an eight-year contract worth $68 million with the Rangers in October 2021. This deal has an annual cap hit of $8.5 million and lasts until the 2029-30 season. His average ice time has dropped to 18:15. In the 2019-20 season, it was a career-high of 21:38.

Zibanejad shared his thoughts about the reduced minutes and noted that it affects his rhythm and the game's flow.

“You can feel it on the bench,” he said (via nypost) after a morning skate before a game against the Capitals. "I was averaging 20-plus minutes a few years ago, and I felt really good with that because you can find a better rhythm."

Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette wants to change how ice time is managed this season. He aims to spread minutes more evenly among players to keep everyone involved. However, it’s unclear why Zibanejad’s line, with Chris Kreider and Reilly Smith, has received less ice time than other lines.

Statistics show a clear difference in performance. The Filip Chytil line has scored eight goals without allowing any. In contrast, Zibanejad’s line has scored three goals and allowed three against. This has led Laviolette to rethink how he distributes ice time. He wants to ensure all lines contribute effectively.

Despite this, Zibanejad disagrees with the idea that less ice time is good for him, especially for the playoffs.

“I don’t think anyone wants to play less, honestly,” he added.

He believes being on the ice more helps him contribute better. The Rangers have started the season well, but Zibanejad and his line are still trying to find their identity.

“We haven’t had one of those games where everything goes in,” he said.

He hopes that as they play together more, they will score more goals. However, Laviolette has said that Zibanejad's line needs to improve to get more ice time.

Rangers coach Peter Laviolette feels their efforts were 'not enough'

The Washington Capitals beat the New York Rangers 5-3 on Tuesday. Alex Ovechkin scored twice in the first period. Will Cuylle tied the game for the Rangers, but Ovechkin’s second goal put Washington ahead again.

Laviolette said, per NHL.com:

“Their first period had much more pop in it than ours did... Didn’t get much better to be honest with you for the second and third. There were spurts, but not enough.”

Connor McMichael scored, making it 3-1. Chris Kreider then scored for the Rangers, cutting the lead to 3-2. Aliaksei Protas responded and made it 4-2. Filip Chytil quickly scored, bringing it to 4-3. Nic Dowd’s empty-net goal secured the win for Washington.