Draft: Countdown #7 - Mika Zibanejad

7. Mika Zibanejad

Position: Center/Right Wing
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 176 lbs
Shoots: Right
DOB: April 18th, 1993
Nationality: Swedish
2010-2011 Team: Djugarden
League: Swedish Elite League
Stats: 26 GP - 5 G - 4 A - 9 P - 2 PIM
Playoffs: 7 GP - 1 G - 1 A - 2 P - 2 PIM

CH: If there was ever a comparable to the rise of Nino Niederreiter, it's Mika Zibanejad. Zibanejad came out of nowhere over the course of the 2010/11 season, where he finished with Djugarden of the Sweidsh Elite League. For a 17 year old, his stats were extremely productive - he finished with 9 points in 26 games. While he does lack top end speed, he is a good skater. He has a very good shot and plays a physical, two-way game, which would be perfect for a complement to John Tavares. That said, he is not ready for the NHL, and I believe is committed to Djugarden for the 2011/12 season. But he is not far away. Once he puts on more strength and weight, he should be able to jump right in.

AT: The rise he's seen is very insane. Once projected to go in the late 1st/early 2nd, he's not solidified himself as a top 10 pick, possibly top 5. The play he's put on this year in the SEL has been outstanding. He's renowned for his two way play, physical ability and work along the boards. Kind of a mix between Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen. Absolutely needs another year in the SEL so that he can work on his skills and get more playing time, but I see him being ready in a year's time. 

CH: While it could be regarded that Zibanejad is a safe pick due to his all-around game, he does have considerable skill as well. As far as the Islanders go, I do believe that Zibanejad is on their radar. It was rumored the team was planning to bring him to Long Island, but that was not confirmed. In my opinion, he would be a solid value pick at #5. He could easily have a role with the Islanders over time as a bridge between the top line of Tavares and the third line of Frans Nielsen (if he is re-signed). The fact that he has risen considerably over the course of the season is going to be a huge selling point for the Islanders, as they like to take risers in the first round. It's been rumored that Zibanejad may go as high as #3 to Florida, but that seems unlikely. If he is there at #5, he would be a very good choice for the New York Islanders.

AT: His all around game would make him a very solid addition to the Islanders core. With the team not being sure of where Josh Bailey will be (if he even stays at center and the rotation game continues), I can see the Isles going for either him or Strome. However, if Couturier is available, he is the center I'd prefer.

Most likely to be drafted: 3-10

Draft: NHL Draft Combine Held This Past Week

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Last week, the NHL Draft Combine took place in Toronto. The prospects come in for the week and interview with whichever NHL organizations want to talk to them, complete fitness testing, and get to know the other draft prospects. This post will be the first of many dialoguing our thoughts on the June 24 draft. 

If you want to read more about the Draft Combine, please visit TSN for videos and articles on the process.


CH: The draft is probably my favorite part of the hockey year other than the games. I have gotten very into the process even before the Islanders rebuild started, as it is always fun to see how happy these players become when they hear their names called. This year, the draft could go in 100 different directions, and that's just being mild. From an Islander standpoint, all we know is Garth Snow will choose the player he feels best fits the Islanders. The top 8 projected picks are listed on the right sidebar, but we've now heard that Mika Zibenajad, a Swedish center is rising fast much like Ryan Johansen did last year. We will be profiling each of the top 10 prospects before the draft as well as giving a composite, which will serve as our rankings, of a few different rankings before the draft.