The Zibanejads are downsizing.
Mika Zibanejad's move to the New York Rangers came as a surprise to the the former sixth overall selection of the Ottawa Senators, who on Monday dealt him for Derick Brassard. But the first thoughts and emotions that ran through his mind weren't of sadness or elation. Rather, annoyance.
It meant another move.
"It's not convenient, I'll tell you that much," Zibanejad, who recently had a mansion built in Ottawa, told NHL.com's Brian Compton.
But once Zibanejad's mind drifted from boxes, moving trucks, and floor plans, he quickly allowed himself to get excited about playing in a big city and a major market.
"It's an Original Six team," Zibanejad said. "The status of the team is very high anywhere you go. I think as far as the roster goes, it looks really, really promising and really interesting. It's a team that goes for the Cup every year and is a big contender for it. I'm really happy to be a part of this and (I'm) hoping I can add more to that as well.
He added: "I'm happy. I'm really excited to get this thing started."
The thing is, the Rangers have shown in recent seasons that they may be slipping from their perch as perennial title contenders. And in many ways, landing the younger and cheaper Zibanejad is about sustainability and attempting to reverse that downward trend.
Yet, as it is now, he's the less-proven asset and a player that hasn't quite reached his impact-player potential - and that obviously carries risk.
But Zibanejad believes the Rangers have cycled in an asset prepared to hit the offensive totals that Brassard has provided.
"I feel like the whole process of my career is going towards the right way," he said. "I feel like I haven't really got the break yet and I feel like there's a lot more to give. I'm quite excited to be able to get this chance with the Rangers and I feel like I'm at that moment in my career to be able to do that and hopefully break out here."
