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Greening-Spezza-Zibanejad
Zibanejad moves to the wing in his third NHL game. Through his first two, he registered one assist.
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Mika Zibanejad News
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“I’m not sure if (Zibanejad making the team) is a done deal at this point,” MacLean said. “We still have, counting tonight, 10 games we can still evaluate him, but it certainly appears, with the injuries to Peter Regin and Jesse Winchester, that the door is open for him to walk into at this point in time.”
Zibanejad is probably too good for any junior club at this point but could be sent to the AHL as a player drafted in Europe. Expect at least a nine-game tryout.
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Meanwhile, Zibanejad is doing everything he can to start the season in the NHL. He scored a nifty goal in tight against the Winnipeg Jets Monday and roofed a one-timer against the Bruins in overtime last week.
Zibanejad could play in the NHL, the question is whether he has earned a spot. Last season he only played 26 games professionally, scoring five goals and nine points with Djurgardens IF Stockholm. Look for him to continue competing with Peter Regin and Stefan Da Costa.
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Finally, Mika Zibanejad’s battle for the 2nd line centre position certainly took a turn for the better with last night’s OT winner.
Sounds like Zibanejad could beat out Peter Regin and Stephane Da Costa for the second-line role. In 26 games for Djurgardens IF Stockholm of the SEL, Zibanejad scored five goals and nine points. He most likely sticks with the big club.
The young center confessed to having stars in his eyes while playing alongside one of his idols, Daniel Alfredsson. Zibanejad skated on the same line as the captain and Milan Michalek for both the practice and scrimmage.
The two wingers were slated to flank star center Jason Spezza so don't expect Zibanejad to earn the top line role right now. However, this audition proves that the Sens are interested in their 2011 top pick playing this season.
The Ottawa Senators signed first-round pick Mika Zibanejad to a 3-year entry level contract on July 13.
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