Mika Zibanejad bleeds for Sweden: Rangers star stunned after brutal no-call hit

The New York Rangers are getting a lot of news this week. From injuries overseas to big decisions at the NHL Draft, the team heads into the offseason with questions, not answers. Mika Zibanejad took a brutal high stick but stayed on the ice, Brett Berard dropped out of the World Championship with an injury, and the Rangers must pick wisely with the No. 12 pick in the 2025 Draft.

Mika Zibanejad plays on despite an injury scare in Sweden-Finland game
On Monday, Mika Zibanejad was playing Team Sweden against Finland in the World Championship when he received a blow to the mouth by a high stick.


The altercation occurred behind the net when Finnish defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo swept his stick attempting to deflect Zibanejad, striking him square in the mouth. Zibanejad went down to the ice bleeding, and incredibly, no penalty was given.

New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad has played well thus far at the 2025 IIHF World Championship for Sweden- helping his country to a 4-0-0 start.

Via @Danthfc_ #NYR | #NYRangershttps://t.co/9XVY9JQ4VR

— Blue Line Station (@BlueLineStation) May 15, 2025

Even when he was hit, Zibanejad returned and played nearly 20 minutes throughout the game. He did not score, ending his goal streak in the tournament. Earlier, he had already netted three goals in the tournament, a game-winner included.


During the same game, Zibanejad's teammate Juuso Parssinen suited up for Finland. Parssinen was great early in the tournament, but was dreadful, losing 13 of 14 face-offs and registering zero shots on goal. Sweden won the game 2-1 and advanced to 3-0 in the tournament.


Brett Berard is out injured whereas Rangers focus on centers in 2025 NHL Draft

While Zibanejad did return, Brett Berard played zero at the World Championship. He had been listed on Team USA but missed the first few games. It later turned out that he withdrew due to "physical limitations."


No details were released, but the injury is minor. Berard had a solid first year with the Rangers. He spent most of his time in the bottom six and had some bright spots, including two goals against the Islanders and two assists against the Blackhawks.


Off the ice, the Rangers have a significant decision to make. They possess the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, but it is a conditional choice based on trade agreements with Pittsburgh and Vancouver.



If they hold onto the pick, they must select a center, and this is a weak spot in their crop of prospects. Most of their current NHL centers, like Zibanejad and Vincent Trocheck, are over 30 years old. Only Parssinen is below 25, and he's likely at best a third-liner.


Their best center prospect at the moment is Noah Laba, who had a solid season with Colorado College and signed with the Hartford Wolf Pack this spring. The others like Dylan Roobroeck and Matt Rempe are promising but long-term prospects.


Also Read: Mika Zibanejad Sounds Fed Up But Won’t Leave Rangers After Collapse: “I Know What My Contract Says”