Overview
- Head coach Mike Sullivan told NHL.com that Zibanejad will open camp on the right side with J.T. Miller after the duo showed late-season chemistry.
- Sullivan said the pair can read off each other and share faceoff and defensive-zone duties, and he intends to explore keeping them together.
- Zibanejad’s role change follows a downturn at five-on-five last season, including 13 goals and 37 even-strength points over 82 games.
- Moving him out of the middle raises lineup questions, with Vincent Trocheck projected as 2C and Juuso Parssinen, Sam Carrick, and Jonny Brodzinski competing for remaining center spots.
- Some analysts advocate a 3C role for Zibanejad, and separate reporting says the team has gauged trade options, though his full no-movement clause and $8.5 million cap hit with five years left complicate any move.