Mika Zibanejad had plans to move this summer - within Ottawa.
The newest member of the New York Rangers moved into a new house during his final days as a Senator, writes NHL's Dan Rosen. Zibanejad was traded on July 18 in a move that saw Derick Brassard head to the Canadian capital.
Zibanejad, only 23, met with the New York media for the first time Friday, and is looking forward to "an exciting start, a new chapter in my career."
A former first-round pick, sixth overall in 2011, the Swede set career highs across the board last season with 21 goals and 51 points. The trade made the Rangers younger, as Brassard will turn 29 before next season begins, so New York is hoping the best is yet to come for their newest man up the middle.
It took a while for Zibanejad to get over the shock of the trade, Rosen writes, and his housing situation weighed heavily on him. The trade was "nothing I counted on, obviously," he said.
His new teammates have helped with the transition, though, and Zibanejad continues to hunt for an apartment. He's looking forward to playing under the lights at Madison Square Garden - his new friends tell him being a Ranger in New York is as good as it gets.
"It's a change from Ottawa," he said. "It's a little bit busier, but I like that."
Playing with a talented group of forwards up front, a 60-point season from Zibanejad wouldn't be a surprise. He's going to be counted on to replace Brassard's 58 points, and will likely have more responsibilities on the penalty kill, something he welcomes.
