New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad has expressed openness to switching positions with teammate J.T. Miller as the team enters a new era under head coach Mike Sullivan. This potential change comes as the Rangers look to strengthen their lineup ahead of the upcoming season, emphasizing chemistry and flexibility.

While competing at the World Championship in Stockholm, Zibanejad discussed his role with Sullivan. He shared that playing on Miller’s right wing late last season felt natural and that they quickly developed strong on-ice chemistry, blending their playing styles effectively. Sullivan confirmed that the players’ ability to read each other’s moves and switch during faceoffs was a key point in their conversation.

“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. He expressed that to me,” Sullivan said via NHL.com.

“I would envision us exploring that combination to see if they can potentially build on the chemistry that they’ve already built,” he added.

The coach clarified that while Zibanejad remains capable of centering his own line, the preliminary plan for training camp is to try him out on the right wing alongside Miller centering the line, with Vincent Trocheck completing a strong middle trio. This trio is seen as a potential core to help the Rangers improve their offensive and defensive balance.

“Those are three pretty high-quality centermen. I think it’s going to play itself out, but certainly the conversations I’ve had with Mika to this point, I would envision us exploring keeping Mika with J.T,” Sullivan said.

Signed to an eight-year, $68 million contract, Zibanejad is expected to start camp in this new wing role, highlighting the team’s trust in his adaptability and skill set as Miller remains the center. This shift signals a strategic effort by the Rangers to maximize their lineup’s effectiveness under Sullivan’s guidance.

Insights from Mika Zibanejad on his dialogue with Mike Sullivan

Zibanejad recently shared details about his initial conversation with Sullivan, who replaced Peter Laviolette as head coach after the Rangers missed the playoffs. The 32-year-old forward emphasized his respect for Sullivan’s extensive coaching background and success in the NHL.

“Yeah, I had a conversation with him. Obviously, he’s a coach that’s been around for some time now, had some success in the league. It will be fun to talk with him even more,” Zibanejad said via HudsonReporter.com.

While not elaborating deeply on their discussions, Zibanejad conveyed confidence in Sullivan’s fit with the team’s culture and goals, signaling optimism about their working relationship.

“I’m not out to get the coach just for me. I’m sure he will be good.”

Mike Sullivan comes to the Rangers with a decorated resume, having spent the last decade as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, leading them to two Stanley Cup titles. His arrival marks a pivotal moment for the Rangers as they aim to rebound and make a stronger push in the league.

The proposed J.T. Miller position swap with Zibanejad could be a significant step in fostering the line combinations that best utilize the players’ strengths. With training camp approaching, the Rangers’ coaching staff will closely evaluate this new pairing and its potential impact on the team’s performance throughout the season.