Observations:

October 2013 – Mika Zibanejad has been recalled by the Ottawa Senators.  It’s safe to say the message has been sent to the 20-year old, who was less-than-impressive in his preseason games with the Senators. In six games with the Binghamton Senators, Zibanejad tallied seven points (two goals and five assists).  In the three games he has played with the big club since being recalled, Zibanejad has looked very strong; he’s been aggressive on the forecheck, strong on the puck and has demonstrated his heavy shot, most notably on his power play goal (a one-timer) against Anaheim.  Initially, Mika Zibanejad was centering Ottawa’s fourth line, however by the third period of his second game he was playing right wing with Jason Spezza. If Mika can continue to play his up-tempo style of game, and continue to pin opposing players in their defensive third, he’ll most likely see himself playing on the second line with Clarke Macarthur and Kyle Turris, easily Ottawa’s most consistent pair of forwards this season.  It’s Paul Maclean’s “the best players will play” coaching mentality that gives Zibanejad fantasy value. The better he plays, the more he will play. The fact that Jason Spezza and Bobby Ryan have yet to develop any notable chemistry so far means it’s not a stretch to think Zibanejad could end up playing first line minutes with Spezza and Michalek in the near future. Nathan Martin

May 2013 – Mika Zibanejed had a slow start to his North American pro career as he adapted to the game on this side of the pond while fighting injury and conditioning issues. He earned a call up during a visit to see his girlfriend in Ottawa and despite only scoring 4 goals in 23 AHL games. With injuries and conditioning concerns behind him, he played 42 games for the Senators getting 20 points, including seven goals. Mika has learned to use his speed and strength to earn a regular shift with the Senators. He learned quickly by watching some key veterans, including boyhood idol Daniel Alfredsson, to see what is needed to be an everyday NHL player. As the only player under 20 on the team he displayed that youthful exuberance that seem to rub off on some of the older players, as the team went through injury problems. Zibanejed was one of 13 rookies utilized by coach Paul McLean to ice a team that earned the moniker “Pesky Sens”, something Mika developed into as the season rolled on. Alain Dube

{source}
<div id=”imageright”><script type=”text/javascript” src=”http://ap.lijit.com/www/delivery/fpi.js?z=199099&u=dobbersports&width=300&height=250″></script></div>
{/source}

April 2012 – Zibanejad assigned to the Binghamton Senators on April 11th to finish the AHL regular season.  Before suiting up in his first game for the “Baby Sens”, Mika collided with a teammate in practice suffering a concussion.  Zibanejad has been shut down for the 2011-2012 season. Brendan Ross

January, 2012 – The heroic figure for Team Sweden at the 2012 World Junior Championships, Mika Zibanejad scored the overtime game-winning goal to become a national star.  One of the 2011 draft class risers, Zibanejad offers a well-rounded game with good offensive upside and will be able to provide the Senators with a sizeable number two centerman behind Jason Spezza.  Zibanejad, also capable of shifting to the wing, projects as a top 6 forward with good creativity, physicality and thrives when he drives to the net. The Senators would be very happy to see Zibanejad develop into a 30+ goal scorer with 75+ point upside. Brendan Ross

Fantasy Outlook: A-

Good upside and almost cracked the Senators final roster. Look for his permanent arrival in 2012-13 and should be fantasy relevant immediately.

Footage:

Mika Zibanejad Highlights

{youtube}8DelIsz7apI{/youtube}

{source}
<iframe src=”http://www.eliteprospects.com/iframe_player_stats_small.php?player=23856″ width=”100%” height=”460″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”0″ ></iframe>
{/source}