Mika Zibanejad Illness and Health Update, What Happened to Mika Zibanejad?
by Rubaditsha | Updated Jan 12, 2024
Mika Zibanejad Illness and Health Update
Mika Zibanejad's health took center stage as the New York Rangers forward was officially scratched before Thursday's game against the St. Louis Blues, according to NY Post's Mollie Walker. Despite initially joining the team in St. Louis, the 30-year-old, feeling unwell, was expected to play but was ultimately sidelined just over 10 minutes before the game.
Zibanejad's absence is a significant blow, impacting the Rangers' lineup for the crucial matchup. In the 2023-24 season, he has been a key contributor with 14 goals and 25 assists in 39 games. The sudden scratch raises questions about his health, leaving fans and the team awaiting updates on the nature of his illness and potential return to the lineup.
Get ahead with Fresherslive as your trustworthy resource for the latest news and trends, all delivered in a language that's straightforward and easy to grasp. Your quest for reliable information ends here.
Who is Mika Zibanejad?
Mika Zibanejad, born on 18 April 1993, is a Swedish professional ice hockey center and alternate captain for the New York Rangers in the National Hockey League (NHL). In the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, he was chosen as the sixth overall pick by the Ottawa Senators. Despite making the Senators lineup at the outset of the 2011–12 season, Zibanejad was later returned to Djurgårdens IF in Sweden after recording one point in nine NHL games.
After five seasons with the Senators, Zibanejad was traded to the Rangers on 18 July 2016. Beyond his NHL career, he has notably represented Sweden internationally, contributing to the junior team's victory in the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the senior team's triumph in the 2018 IIHF World Championship.
Mika Zibanejad Age
As of 2024, Mika is 30 years old. Mika Zibanejad's sporting journey took an initial detour through association football before he dedicated himself to ice hockey. Commencing his hockey endeavors at the age of six with Hammarby IF, he spent seven seasons with the club until its financial troubles in 2008. Subsequently, he transitioned to AIK IF's youth organization, delving into junior hockey.
His tenure with Djurgårdens IF began in the 2009–10 season, where he featured in the organization's J18 and J20 teams. Zibanejad's Elitserien debut occurred on 7 December 2010, marking the commencement of a promising career that saw him score his first Elitserien goal on 15 January 2011. Notably, he inked a two-year contract extension with Djurgården on 7 February 2011, solidifying his place in the senior roster and earning recognition as one of the organization's top-performing junior players.
Mika Zibanejad Career
Mika Zibanejad, selected sixth overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators, embarked on his professional journey with the team after signing a three-year, entry-level contract on 13 July 2011. Despite a promising start with an early NHL assist, he returned to Djurgårdens IF after nine games.
Over the years, he became a significant player for the Senators, contributing notably in the 2015–16 season with a career-high 21 goals and 30 assists. However, on 18 July 2016, he was traded to the New York Rangers, where he evolved into a key player. Zibanejad's tenure with the Rangers witnessed remarkable performances, including a natural hat trick and setting NHL records.
His notable achievements prompted the Rangers to sign him to an eight-year contract extension on 10 October 2021, solidifying his role as an alternate captain. Internationally, Zibanejad showcased his prowess, scoring critical goals for Sweden in the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the 2018 IIHF World Championship.
What Happened to Mika Zibanejad?
Mika Zibanejad was unexpectedly scratched from the New York Rangers' game against the St. Louis Blues due to illness. Despite initially intending to play and joining the team in St. Louis, the 30-year-old forward, not feeling well, was sidelined just over 10 minutes before the game. This sudden development left fans and the team surprised, impacting the lineup for the crucial matchup. Zibanejad's absence raises concerns about his health, with further updates awaited on the nature of his illness and potential return to play.
Mika Zibanejad Illness and Health Update:FAQs
Zibanejad was unexpectedly sidelined due to illness, despite initially intending to play.
Zibanejad has been a key contributor with 14 goals and 25 assists in 39 games.
His absence is a significant blow, influencing the Rangers' configuration for the crucial St. Louis Blues matchup.
Zibanejad achieved success internationally, contributing to Sweden's victories in the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the 2018 IIHF World Championship.
Zibanejad shifted to ice hockey at the age of six after initially playing association football, beginning his hockey journey with Hammarby IF.