26. Mika Zibanejad
Jan 14, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Ottawa Senators forward Mika Zibanejad (93) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Senators defeated the Wild 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Stats: 200GP, 43G, 100P
Height/Weight: 6foot2, 211lbs
Acquired: 2011 NHL Entry Draft (6th Overall)
Now here’s a guy, still very young in his career, who has the potential to jump very far up this list.
Zibanejad is a big bodied center who has now shown what he can deliver at the NHL level. Given his current age and production, there’s no reason to think that Zibanejad could put up 50+ points a year over the next decade, while developing into a legitimate top 6 or first line center.
There’s even a chance he could overtake Kyle Turris in the next coming years, which would mean big changes to the Senators’ lineup. Zibanejad is a home-grown product, selected in the top 10 in 2011. He’s had some ups-and-downs (see; 2013 roster cut), but overall he’s shown steady growth.
The Senators have only had a few quality home-grown centerman over the years. Guys like Alexei Yashin, Jason Spezza, and Mike Fisher highlight the list. Mika has the opportunity to jump into that group in just a few seasons as he looks set to have quite the NHL career ahead of him.
For now, Zibanejad is ranked 26th. He’s only played 200 NHL games (still, a lot for a 22-year-old) as he looks ahead to what could be a career season for the young swede.