Mika Zibanejad experienced significant mental challenges during the 2024-25 season, marking it as potentially the toughest period in his career. Those around him observed a palpable heaviness in his demeanor from the season's outset. This weight appeared to intensify as games passed without Zibanejad displaying the defensive prowess and offensive dynamism expected of him as the Rangers' No. 1 center. He had held this position since joining the organization in July 2016.

“I feel like mentally, what I went through the first few months was probably the toughest I’ve ever been through in my career,” Zibanejad stated during the Rangers’ breakup day earlier this week.