New reports have surfaced on social media that may have just confirmed the reasoning behind Mika Zibanejad's downfall throughout the 2024-25 season and it's hard to ignore.![Mika Zibanejad]()
As we all know Mika Zibanejad struggled throughout the 2024-25 season, as we seen a major decline in production and even witnessed him act strange throughout the entire season, and now one NHL analyst has pointed out what may have caused this.
According to one source on 'X' the issue behind Mika Zibanejad's downfall was New York Rangers former head coach Peter Laviolette and the system he ran during his time with the organization. Peter Lavioletteplayed a 1-3-1 system with a man on man defensive system and it was clear that not many players excelled with this system.
Mika skating speed and play has dropped off significantly. Someone mentioned to me that he thinks it was Peter Laviolette system and now i can't stop thinking about it 🤔 #NYR
Skating Speed Percentile
2021-22, 93%
2022-23, 91%
2023-24, 62% (PL System)
2024-25, 63% (PL System)
Skating Speed Percentile
2021-22, 93%
2022-23, 91%
2023-24, 62% (PL System)
2024-25, 63% (PL System)
Truly something to consider as there seemed to be a rocky relationship between Peter Laviolette and the New York Rangers players, as he confirmed in one of his last interviews with the organization, that he doesn't enter the teams locker room after a game.
Mika Zibanejad Primed To Bounce Back During The 2025-26 Season
Now that the New York Rangers will be entering the 2025-26 season with a new look, as they hired two-time Stanley Cup winning head coach, Mike Sullivan, this past season.
A new head coach who know hows to motive his players when times get rough, something that will hopefully benefit Mika ZIbanejad this upcoming season.
