Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mika Zibanejad

How Mika Zibanejad built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Mika Zibanejad is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre and alternate captain for the New York Rangers in the NHL. Drafted sixth overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2011, he initially joined their lineup that season but was later sent back to Djurgårdens IF in Sweden for further development. After five seasons with the Senators, Zibanejad was traded to the New York Rangers on July 18, 2016, where he has since become a key player.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2009: Joined AIK IF

In 2009, Mika Zibanejad moved to AIK IF's youth organization for the following season, where he began playing junior hockey.

December 2010: Elitserien Debut

On December 7, 2010, Mika Zibanejad made his Elitserien debut against Luleå HF.

January 2011: Scored First Elitserien Goal

On January 15, 2011, Mika Zibanejad scored his first Elitserien goal against Tuomas Tarkki of Modo Hockey.

February 2011: Signed a two-year contract extension with Djurgården

On February 7, 2011, Mika Zibanejad signed a two-year contract extension with Djurgården.

July 2011: Signed with the Ottawa Senators

On July 13, 2011, Mika Zibanejad signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators.

2011: Drafted by the Ottawa Senators

In 2011, Mika Zibanejad was selected sixth overall in the NHL entry draft by the Ottawa Senators.

January 2012: Scored golden goal at the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships

On January 5, 2012, Mika Zibanejad scored the gold medal-winning goal for Sweden in the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships against Russia.

June 2012: Rumored Trade for Rick Nash

In June 2012, Mika Zibanejad was rumored to be part of a trade package offered to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Rick Nash.

August 2012: Assigned to North America

In August 2012, the Senators announced Mika Zibanejad would spend the 2012–13 season in North America.

January 2013: First NHL Goal

In January 2013, Mika Zibanejad scored his first career NHL goal against the Montreal Canadiens.

2015: Scored a career-high 21 goals

During the 2015-16 season, Mika Zibanejad achieved a career-high of 21 goals with 30 assists.

July 2016: Traded to the New York Rangers

In July 2016, Mika Zibanejad was traded from the Ottawa Senators to the New York Rangers.

April 2017: Scored Overtime Winning Goal

On April 20, 2017, Mika Zibanejad scored the overtime-winning goal in Game 5 of the 2017 NHL Eastern Conference Quarterfinal against the Montreal Canadiens.

July 2017: Signed contract extension with the Rangers

On July 25, 2017, Mika Zibanejad signed a five-year, $26.75 million contract extension with the Rangers.

2017: Release of "Forever"

In 2017, Zibanejad released his first song, "Forever".

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May 2018: Scored in the final for Sweden at the 2018 IIHF World Championship

On May 20, 2018, Mika Zibanejad scored a goal in the final for Sweden to help them win the 2018 IIHF World Championship.

2018: Release of "Can't Go Back Home"

In 2018, Zibanejad released the song "Can't Go Back Home".

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October 2019: Scored Hat-trick against Ottawa Senators

On October 5, 2019, Mika Zibanejad scored a hat-trick against the Ottawa Senators, after having a four-point game on October 3rd.

2019: Releases "Moves," and "Nobody"

In 2019, Zibanejad released two songs: "Moves," featuring Hot Shade and Mike Perry, and "Nobody," featuring Hot Shade.

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March 2020: Five Goals in a Game

On March 5, 2020, Mika Zibanejad became the third player in Rangers history to score five goals in a game.

2020: Release of "By My Side"

In 2020, Zibanejad released the song "By My Side," featuring Hot Shade and Melina Borglowe.

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March 2021: Scored a Natural Hat Trick

On March 17, 2021, Mika Zibanejad scored a natural hat trick in the second period of a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He then tied the NHL record for most points in one period with six. A week later, on March 25, he scored another hat trick against the Flyers.

April 2021: Scored Seventh Career Hat Trick

On April 25, 2021, Mika Zibanejad scored his seventh career hat trick (third of the season) during a game against the Buffalo Sabres.

October 2021: Signed Contract Extension

On October 10, 2021, Mika Zibanejad signed an eight-year contract extension with the Rangers and was named an alternate captain.

October 2022: Two Goals and Four Points

On October 17, 2022, Mika Zibanejad had two goals and four points in a 6–4 win over the Anaheim Ducks.

2023: Performance at Lollapalooza Stockholm

In 2023, Zibanejad performed at Lollapalooza Stockholm, DJ'ing a set with fire and pyrotechnics on the second day of the music festival.

December 2024: Named in Sweden's roster for the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off

On December 4, 2024, Mika Zibanejad was named in Sweden's roster for the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off.

February 2025: Scored against Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off

On February 15, 2025, Mika Zibanejad scored the opening goal of the game against Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

May 2025: Alternate Captain and Bronze at IIHF World Championship

In May 2025, Mika Zibanejad was named an alternate captain for Sweden's roster at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. Throughout the tournament, he scored five goals and made three assists, leading Sweden to win the bronze medal on May 25 at Avicii Arena in Stockholm.

2025: Rangers participated in the 2026 NHL Winter Classic

During the 2025–26 season, the Rangers participated in the 2026 NHL Winter Classic.

January 2026: Named to Sweden's Olympic Roster

In January 2026, Zibanejad was named to Sweden's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

February 2026: Hat-trick during Winter Classic

During the 2025-26 season, In February 2026, Mika Zibanejad became the first player to record a hat-trick during a Winter Classic as the Rangers defeated the Florida Panthers 5–1.