Mika Zibanejad’s Development Has Been Delayed – What’s Next?

Looking at the Senators offensive numbers this season there has not been any huge surprises. You could argue Mike Hoffman has been a nice surprise, but we knew he could score. Mark Stone has been good, and I’ve liked Alex Chiasson.

One of the negatives this season, has been Mika Zibanejad.

The numbers certainly aren’t great for Mika, where at the 25 game mark Zibanejad has 3 goals and 4 assists.

In being #2 on the Sens depth chart at centre, Mika will be looked at to step it up. Zibanejad is a 2011 draft pick and is still only 21-years-old. It’s not quite time to give up on Zibanejad, but his development has been stunted.

Nov 29, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Ottawa Senators center Mika Zibanejad (93) shoots against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Mis-Management?

Stunted, used in the sense that Zibanejad hasn’t had a season like we thought he would. Zibanejad has 33 points in 69 games last season and it seemed like it was only uphill from there.

Zibanejad has now played 152 NHL games, meaning he is no longer waiver exempt. I’ve discussed how the possibility of more AHL time could be beneficial to ZIbanejad since October, and the decision to keep him up is a mistake by Sens management.

The Senators have 5 natural centres on their roster. Kyle Turris, Mika Zibanejad, Curtis Lazar, David Legwand and Zack Smith.

Legwand has shown he can play in a scoring role in the past, and although that may not be in Ottawa’s best interest it would not have killed this team if Legwand was forced into a top 6 role.

Senators management must have been aware with the fact that Mika’s waiver exemption period was coming to an end, and we have to assume an AHL stint was considered.

Either way, Zibanejad was going to require waivers at some point. The mistake may not be a huge one, but a message would have been sent to Mika; greater than the message sent via a healthy scratch.

Dec 12, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) during warmup prior to game against Buffalo Sabres at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

What’s next? 

Assuming Zibanejad was sent to the AHL, the Senators do have a kid wanting Zibanejad’s spot. J-G Pageau has looked for a consistent NHL roster spot since his hat-trick in the playoffs, and it hasn’t happened yet.

Pageau has been a consistent AHL player. After putting up 44 points in 46 games last season, the Senators organization continues to look at him. Coach Luke Richardson has loved his game, and despite his lack of scoring at the NHL level he remains an option.

With the idea of an AHL stint out of question, Zibanejad will remain in the NHL. Zibanejad has continued to play at Centre and has seen a number of wingers this season. With 7 points in 22 games, Zibanejad is looking at a set back season.

Zibanejad will have to take the message sent to him via a healthy scratch. There’s no question that Ottawa wants Zibanejad to be better, and so does Zibanejad. As a highly touted prospect and high round pick, Zibanejad will have to play with high expectations.

One thing to keep in mind is that Zibanejad is still only 21. He’s a big kid whose shown promise in the past, don’t give up on him just yet.