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Mike Sullivan's New York Rangers likely to test bold experiment with $68M forward Mika Zibanejad on wing beside J.T. Miller
Mike Sullivan's New York Rangers likely to test bold experiment with $68M forward Mika Zibanejad on wing beside J.T. Miller

Time of India

time11 hours ago

  • Sport
  • Time of India

Mike Sullivan's New York Rangers likely to test bold experiment with $68M forward Mika Zibanejad on wing beside J.T. Miller

Mika Zibanejad likely to shift wings as Sullivan redraws Rangers' lines (Image via: Getty Images) New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad has signaled his willingness to switch from center to right wing, opening the door for a new-look lineup under recently appointed head coach Mike Sullivan. The move, which would pair Zibanejad with J.T. Miller, comes as the Rangers seek to maximize chemistry and strengthen their forward depth ahead of the 2025 NHL season. Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller emerging as key pair in Rangers' forward plans At the World Championship in Stockholm, Zibanejad discussed his role with Sullivan, noting how natural it felt to play alongside J.T. Miller late last season. Miller, who arrived from the Vancouver Canucks in January, quickly developed on-ice chemistry with Zibanejad. Both forwards demonstrated the ability to rotate seamlessly during faceoffs and adjust to each other's style of play. Sullivan confirmed these discussions, emphasizing their versatility. 'They both have a comfort level playing down low in the defensive zone. They both have a comfort level in the face-off circle with one being a righty and one being a lefty,' Sullivan said. The coach added that their complementing skill sets could benefit the Rangers across all zones. Vincent Trocheck emerges as key piece in Rangers' line adjustments Vincent Trocheck, who remains a vital part of the Rangers' center depth, is also expected to play a key role in Sullivan's system. With Trocheck anchoring one line and Miller potentially centering Zibanejad, New York would boast three strong two-way centermen capable of winning faceoffs and driving possession. This gives Sullivan flexibility to experiment with line combinations throughout camp. Zibanejad, signed to an eight-year, $68 million contract, has long been a central figure for the Rangers. His willingness to shift positions highlights his team-first mentality and leadership value. While he has proven himself as a reliable center, moving to the wing could allow Miller to take command down the middle while creating matchup problems for opponents. Also Read: Matthew Tkachuk injury update: Florida Panthers star misses Team USA's Olympic Orientation Camp amid surgery uncertainty The Rangers enter training camp with optimism as Mike Sullivan begins reshaping the roster. Zibanejad's adaptability, Miller's consistency, and Trocheck's two-way reliability provide a strong foundation. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!

Matthew Tkachuk injury update: Florida Panthers star misses Team USA's Olympic Orientation Camp amid surgery uncertainty
Matthew Tkachuk injury update: Florida Panthers star misses Team USA's Olympic Orientation Camp amid surgery uncertainty

Time of India

time11 hours ago

  • Sport
  • Time of India

Matthew Tkachuk injury update: Florida Panthers star misses Team USA's Olympic Orientation Camp amid surgery uncertainty

Surgery delay rules Matthew Tkachuk out of Team USA camp (Image via: Getty Images) Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk has become the biggest talking point of the offseason after his name was left off Team USA's Olympic Orientation Camp roster. The 27-year-old, one of the NHL's most dynamic forwards, continues to deal with serious injuries and delayed surgery, raising doubts over his availability for both the Florida Panthers and the 2026 Winter Olympics. Matthew Tkachuk confirms major injuries that threaten his Olympic timeline Tkachuk stunned reporters during the Stanley Cup Final when he admitted he had been playing through a completely torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia. Despite the pain, he powered through 23 playoff games, tallying 23 points and leading Florida to their second straight Stanley Cup. But while his grit drew admiration, the long-term consequences are now unavoidable. On August 19, USA Hockey released its 44-man camp roster, but Tkachuk's name was missing. This came as a surprise, considering he had already been announced among the first six players guaranteed to represent Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics alongside Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, and Charlie McAvoy. His omission is believed to be linked to the surgery he still hasn't undergone. Matthew Tkachuk's surgery setback raises doubts about 2026 Olympics NHL insider reports suggest Tkachuk postponed his surgery, partly due to his wedding in July. If he undergoes the procedure later this summer, he could be placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), forcing him to miss a significant portion of the 2025–26 NHL season. While the Panthers could use LTIR relief to manage cap space, the bigger concern is his availability for international duty with Team USA. For Florida, Tkachuk's absence would be a major blow. He is the emotional heartbeat of the franchise, combining physicality with elite scoring ability. For Team USA, his uncertain timeline complicates Olympic preparations, even though his spot in the squad remains secure. His absence from camp, however, suggests officials are bracing for the possibility of limited availability. Also Read: Stuart Skinner's wife Chloe shares family holiday photos featuring son Beau posing with snake Off the ice, Tkachuk has had a memorable summer, gracing the cover of EA Sports NHL 26 with brother Brady and father Keith, and tying the knot with Ellie Connell. But the spotlight remains firmly on his health, with fans, the Panthers, and Team USA awaiting clarity on when he finally undergoes surgery. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!

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