Mike Sullivan Lays Groundwork at Rangers Training Camp

During the first press conference at Mike Sullivan’s training camp on Wednesday, it became clear just how much effort he invested over the summer to establish a rapport with his new players.

However, for one player in particular, Sullivan’s commitment took on a more personal dimension.

Back in mid-June, reports indicated that Sullivan traveled all the way from New York to Sweden to meet with Mika Zibanejad. Zibanejad himself shared details of the visit, which seemed to alleviate ongoing speculation about his future with the Rangers following the 2024-25 season.

When asked about the significance of meeting Zibanejad this offseason, Sullivan emphasized the forward’s crucial role on the team. “I think it’s pretty obvious that Mika is an important player for us,” he remarked during the press conference, with Rangers president Chris Drury by his side. “He’s an elite talent. Having coached him for years, I’ve come to appreciate just how good he is.”

Sullivan stressed the necessity of building relationships with key players in today’s sports environment. “Connecting with Mika in Sweden allowed us to meet his family, and I believe those personal connections matter,” he said.

Interestingly, Zibanejad had communicated to Sullivan about the chemistry he built with teammate JT Miller during their time together last season. Sullivan seemed to agree, hinting that Zibanejad would likely start the upcoming season playing alongside Miller.

Having primarily played as a center for nine years, Zibanejad adjusted his position to wing to ignite a spark in his game, particularly as the 2024-25 season progressed. That switch appeared to pay off, as he thrived alongside Miller.

In fact, the two notched impressive figures on the ice, creating numerous scoring opportunities together. “Common sense suggests we begin the season with this pairing,” Sullivan noted, pondering whether to keep Zibanejad on the wing or return him to center. Notably, he mentioned the depth the team has at center with Vincent Trocheck, hinting that lots of options are available.

Reflecting on the previous season, Zibanejad acknowledged that his struggles during the initial months weighed heavily on him. With just 12 points by the end of January, the talented forward felt off his game, and his body language showed it.

Yet, when he found a partner in Miller, he seemed to regain his stride. Sullivan highlighted the importance of surrounding players with the right support to foster their success, expressing excitement for the season ahead and the conversations that lie ahead with both the coaching staff and players.