Zibanejad is central to the Rangers’ offense and a barometer for the top line. A bounce-back year would support Panarin and Lafreniere, while also feeding the club’s overall scoring pace.

<p>Zibanejad is the scoring driver and a key two-way contributor for the Rangers. Under Sullivan, his role centers on finishing chances, drive through the middle, and providing a steady offensive pulse while the club tightens its defensive structure around him.</p>

Zibanejad remains a core offensive engine, factoring into top-six output and power-play structure as the Rangers navigate injuries and lineup experimentation.

Zibanejad centers the top line with JT Miller, anchoring the offense and distributing play, while Laba’s emergence nudges depth and scoring options across the roster.

Zibanejad moving back to center underscores his pivotal role in the top six and the shift in lineup balance if Miller is out.