Playing well  for Sweden in the 4 Nations tournament has given the forward a boost after elevating his play at the start of 2025

At the time of the break, Mika Zibanejad had just started to turn around his season. His strong play continued with Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off — in which he centered their top line and

Two-thirds of the way through a rocky season, these six Rangers were headed to the sport’s biggest stage and were going to come back refreshed and buoyed by playing alongside their countries’ best. Or that was how it was supposed to look.

Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Jaden Schwartz (17) falls while battling for the puck with New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad (93) during the second period at Climate Pledge Arena.

Scores in return to action

It’s been a very interesting year for Mika Zibanejad. Once one of the most beloved figures on the Blueshirts ever since he was essentially stolen from the Ottawa Senators in the prime of his career along with a second-round pick in exchange for Derick Brassard and a seventh-rounder,

Zibanejad (illness) is expected to play in Saturday's matchup versus Buffalo, according to Andrew Crane of the New York Post. Zibanejad participated in Friday's practice after missing Sweden's 2-1 win over the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off on Monday.

Read the recent NHL news and rumors about Mika Zibanejad for fantasy hockey. New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (illness) will play on Saturday

Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad have been longtime teammates, linemates and friends. Nine years together with the New York Rangers has resulted in incredible chemistry on and off the rink.

Zibanejad (illness) is expected to play in Saturday's matchup versus Buffalo, according to Andrew Crane of the New York Post.

Scores in return to action

The top three teams in the Atlantic and Metro look fairly set. The six teams clamoring for two spots behind them are far more volatile.