When the Ottawa Senators sent Jason Spezza to the Dallas Stars this summer, it represented a significant change in direction for the hockey team. After nearly 700 games in an Ottawa uniform, one of the best centres the team was heading elsewhere and in the process, leaving a significant hole in the Senators’ line up.
But what that trade did is create an opportunity for someone to step up and take on an increased role in 2014/2015.
The Senators are hoping that player is Mika Zibanejad.
With 120 games of NHL experience under his belt, this coming season has the potential to be a big one for the 21 year old Swede. He racked up 33 points in 69 games last season, and looked like a player ready to take on more responsibility. And he’ll be given that opportunity this season. Drafted 6th overall in 2011, Zibanejad is going to get a legitimate shot to take over a spot on that second line this season. That means more ice time. That means power play time. And should also mean a chance to play with some more talented wingers (Michalek and Stone?).
If he can stay healthy, this has all the making of a big offensive season for Zibanejad.
Last season, there was a clear reluctance by the Senators to convert Zibanejad to the wing full time and with Spezza now playing elsewhere, you can see why. There were openings on the wing last year but the organization must have known that long term, there would be a greater need at the centre ice position. There will be no doubt about what position he plays this season.
The team brought in veteran David Legwand for insurance but right now, that second line centre spot is Zibanejad’s to lose. Certainly a far cry from where Zibanejad found himself at training camp last season when he lost his roster spot to Stephane Da Costa.
It’s also a big season for Zibanejad personally, as he enters the final season of his entry level contract. The Senators obviously have their plate pretty full with four big name unrestricted free agents coming up but you wonder if they have considered the possibility of a longer term (3-5 years) extension with Zibanejad.
Paul MacLean wants his group to be a harder team to play against this season and a big part of that will be responsible two way hockey and scoring from all four lines. It’s impossible to replace the points Spezza would contribute but what they’re hoping, is that they can fill the void by committee.
For Mika Zibanejad, that will mean a great opportunity to take on a bigger role with the team this season.
