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 briefly played for them before returning to Sweden. After five seasons with the Senators, Zibanejad was traded to the Rangers in 2016. He also represents the Swedish national team in international competitions.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2009: Acquired by Djurgårdens IF

In 2009, Mika Zibanejad was acquired by Djurgårdens IF to play in the organization's J18-team and J20-team.

December 2010: Elitserien Debut

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

2010: Rangers Miss Playoffs

In 2017-18, The Rangers failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

January 2011: First Elitserien Goal

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

February 2011: Signed Two-Year Contract Extension with Djurgården

On February 7, 2011, Mika Zibanejad signed a two-year contract extension with Djurgården, becoming a regular player and scoring five goals and nine points.

July 2011: Signed with the Ottawa Senators

On July 13, 2011, Mika Zibanejad signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators after being drafted sixth overall in the 2011 NHL entry draft.

2011: Drafted by the Ottawa Senators

In 2011, Mika Zibanejad was selected sixth overall in the NHL entry draft by the Ottawa Senators. He made the Senators lineup out of training camp to start the 2011–12 season.

January 2012: Golden Goal

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

June 2012: Trade Rumors

In June 2012, Mika Zibanejad was rumored to be a key part of a package Ottawa was offering to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Rick Nash, but the offer was allegedly withdrawn.

August 2012: Assigned to North America

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

2012: World Junior Ice Hockey Championships Win

In 2012, Mika Zibanejad represented Sweden on the international stage, helping the junior team win the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

January 2013: NHL debut of the season

On January 28, 2013, Mika Zibanejad was called up to Ottawa. On January 29, he played in his first NHL game of the season against the Washington Capitals. On January 30, Zibanejad scored his first career NHL goal against the Montreal Canadiens.

2015: Career High

In the 2015-16 season, Mika Zibanejad scored a career-high 21 goals with 30 assists.

July 2016: Traded to the Rangers

On July 18 2016, Mika Zibanejad was traded by the Senators to the New York Rangers in exchange for Derick Brassard and a seventh-round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

January 2017: Return to Lineup

On January 17, 2017, Mika Zibanejad returned to the Rangers lineup against the Dallas Stars after missing 25 games due to a broken fibula, scoring two goals in the 7-6 loss.

April 2017: 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: Contract Extension

On July 25, 2017, Mika Zibanejad signed a five-year, $26.75 million contract extension with the Rangers, becoming their new first-line center.

2017: Release of "Forever"

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

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May 2018: IIHF World Championship Goal

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

2018: IIHF World Championship Win

In 2018, Mika Zibanejad represented Sweden on the international stage, helping the senior team win the 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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2018: 2018 NHL Entry Draft

In July 2016, Mika Zibanejad was traded by the Senators to the New York Rangers along with a second-round pick in the 2018 NHL entry draft.

October 2019: Hot Start to the Season

In October 2019, Mika Zibanejad had a strong start to the 2019-20 season, including a four-point game in the season opener on October 3, a hat-trick against the Ottawa Senators on October 5. On October 8, he was named NHL's First Star of the Week.

2019: Release of "Moves" and "Nobody"

In 2019, Zibanejad released two songs: "Moves," featuring Hot Shade and Mike Perry, and "Nobody," also featuring Hot Shade. He also performed at the Summerburst Festival in Gothenburg, Sweden, his first music festival.

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March 2020: Five Goals in a Game

On March 5, 2020, Mika Zibanejad scored five goals in a game against the Capitals, becoming the third player in Rangers history to achieve this feat, joining Don Murdoch and Mark Pavelich. He also scored the overtime winner.

2020: Slow Start to 2020-21 Season

After scoring only three goals in 27 games to start, the 2020-21 NHL season was a challenge for Mika Zibanejad.

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: Hat Trick and Record-Tying Points

On March 17, 2021, Mika Zibanejad scored a natural hat trick in the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers and tied the NHL record for most points in one period with six. On March 25, he scored another hat trick against the Flyers.

April 2021: 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: Contract Extension and Alternate Captain

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

October 2022: Four Points in a Game

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

2023: Lollapalooza Stockholm Performance

In 2023, Zibanejad performed at Lollapalooza Stockholm, DJ'ing a set with fire and pyrotechnics on the second day of the festival, joining artists like Travis Scott, Lizzo, and Mumford & Sons.

December 2024: Named to Sweden's Roster

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

February 2025: Opening Goal Against Finland

On February 15, 2025, Mika Zibanejad scored the opening goal of the game against Finland in the 4 Nations Face-Off, which they ultimately lost 4-3.

May 2025: IIHF World Championship

In May 2025, Mika Zibanejad represented Sweden at the IIHF World Championship, where he was named alternate captain and helped his team secure the bronze medal. During the tournament, he scored five goals and made three assists, including a goal in the opening game on May 9th against Slovakia, two goals (one being the game-winning goal) on May 10th against Austria, and another goal on May 14th against Latvia. In the quarter-final on May 22nd against Czechia, he provided an assist and a secondary assist. On May 25th he scored a goal and provided a secondary assist in their final game against Denmark.