This week marked the start of the New York Rangers training camp, giving every player a chance to impress the management. At times, this may lead to players becoming overly enthusiastic, which may result in injury.
On Friday, during practice, Mika Zibanejadand Vincent Trocheck, the top two centers for the Rangers, had a near-miss collision in the middle of the rink. Zibanejad endured the worst of it by lying down for a while, but fortunately he refrained from walking off the ice and into the changing room.
Collision here between Trocheck and Zibanejad left Mika shaken up. He stayed down for a few moments and skated slowly to the bench, but doesn’t appear to be heading to the locker room. That’s a good sign. #NYR pic.twitter.com/lSqm7gxjvf
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) September 20, 2024
The 31-year-old Zibanejad’s output decreased from his career-high 91-point season in 2022–2023 to the previous season. He scored 26 goals and 72 points in 81 games. Under contract through the 2029–2030 season, Zibanejad has a $8.5 million cap hit.
With 25 goals and 77 points in 82 games last season, Trocheck set a career high for points. He became the Rangers’ starting center last season after passing Zibanejad in the depth chart. In terms of ice time, he averaged 21:27 whereas Zibanejad’s was 19:44.
The Rangers, who finished with a 55-23-4 record, were the best club in the regular season and were awarded the NHL Presidents’ Trophy. They play the Boston Bruins in the first game of their preseason schedule on Sunday.
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