Mika Zibanejad's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 24, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Mika Zibanejad.

Mika Zibanejad is a Swedish professional ice hockey player, currently a centre and alternate captain for the New York Rangers in the NHL. Drafted sixth overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2011, he initially joined the team but was later returned to Sweden for further development. After five seasons with the Senators, Zibanejad was traded to the Rangers in 2016, where he has since become a key player. He also represents Sweden in international competitions.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

October 1976: Don Murdoch set the mark

On October 12, 1976, Don Murdoch set the mark for the third player in Rangers history to score five goals in a game against the Minnesota North Stars.

1976: Second Player in Rangers History to Post Eight Points

On 5 October 2019, Zibanejad became the second player in Rangers history to post eight points through the first two games of the season, the fourth in franchise history to score six or more points in that span, and the first in both cases since Rod Gilbert in 1976.

1978: Record for most points in one period set in 1978

The NHL record for most points in one period was set in 1978 by Bryan Trottier.

February 1983: Mark Pavelich scored five goals

On February 23, 1983, Mark Pavelich became another player in Rangers history to score five goals in a game versus the Hartford Whalers.

1990: Sixth player in NHL history with four-point games

On 5 October 2019, Zibanejad became the sixth player in NHL history with four-point games in each of the first two games of the season, and the first player to do so since John Cullen of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1990.

December 1996: Sergei Fedorov's five goals

On December 26, 1996, Sergei Fedorov completed the quintet of goals in the extra period against the Washington Capitals.

2000: First Rangers Player with Goal Types

On 5 October 2019, Zibanejad became the first Rangers player with an even strength goal, a power play goal, and a short-handed goal in an away game since Petr Nedved in 2000.

January 2012: Golden Goal in 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, with Sweden winning 1-0.

2012: World Junior Ice Hockey Championships Gold

In 2012, Zibanejad represented Sweden and helped the junior team win the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

2014: First Ranger to Achieve Goal Feat in Any Game

On 5 October 2019, Zibanejad became the first Ranger to have an even strength goal, a power play goal, and a short-handed goal in any game since Derek Stepan in 2014.

2015: Career High in Goals and Assists

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

January 2017: Returned to Rangers Lineup

On January 17, 2017, Zibanejad returned to the Rangers lineup against the Dallas Stars after missing 25 games due to a broken fibula. He scored two goals in the game, though the Rangers lost 7-6.

May 2018: Goal in 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, where he finished among the scoring leaders with six goals and five assists.

2018: IIHF World Championship Gold

In 2018, Zibanejad represented Sweden and helped the senior team win the IIHF World Championship.

October 2019: Hot Start to 2019-20 Season

In October 2019, Zibanejad began the 2019-20 season strong, scoring a goal and three assists in the Rangers' season opener on October 3 and following it with a hat-trick against the Ottawa Senators on October 5. On October 8, he was named NHL's First Star of the Week.

March 2020: Five Goals in a Game

On March 5, 2020, Zibanejad became the third player in Rangers history to score five goals in a game, joining Don Murdoch, who set the mark on October 12, 1976, and Mark Pavelich on February 23, 1983.

March 2021: Hat Trick and Record-Tying Points in a Period

On March 17, 2021, 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, a record set in 1978 by Bryan Trottier.

January 2022: Voted to First All-Star Game

On January 18, 2022, Zibanejad was voted to his first All-Star game through the NHL "Last Men In" fan vote but decided not to attend for personal reasons.

March 2023: Named One of NHL's Three Stars

For the week of March 20, 2023, Zibanejad was named one of the NHL's three stars, registering five goals and nine points in four games.

December 2023: NHL's Three Stars of the Week

For the week 18-24 December 2023, Zibanejad was named as one of the NHL's three stars of the week, scoring four goals and seven points in three games.

May 2025: Participated in the 2025 IIHF World Championship

Throughout May 2025, Mika Zibanejad played in the 2025 IIHF World Championship. On May 2nd, he was named an alternate captain for Sweden. On May 9th, he scored in the opening game against Slovakia. On May 10th, he scored twice against Austria. On May 14th, he scored against Latvia. On May 22nd, he provided two assists against Czechia. On May 25th, he scored and provided an assist against Denmark to help Sweden win the bronze medal.