Breaking: Vigneault lashes out at Zibanejad with strong criticism

Mika Zibanejad, by all accounts, had a fantastic first season with the New York Rangers. Despite missing over a third of the NHL’s regular season, he still managed to produce 14 goals and 37 points in 56 games. In the playoffs, he led his team in scoring, putting up 9 points in 12 games.  Maybe that’s why Rangers fans are so perplexed by the most recent comments from Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault when asked to describe Zibanejad’s play.

According to NHL.com reporter Dan Rosen, Vigneault described his top scorer as being, “at a crossroads” and saying that the 24 year-old needs to “figure it out if he’s going to be a high-end center in the NHL.” Seems a little harsh, no? After all Zibanejad returned from a devastating early season injury in which he broke his leg and managed to not only be productive, but also lead his team in scoring throughout the playoffs.

Is this just further proof that Vigneault has lost the pulse of his team? Or is he merely using his criticism as a way of motivating his player for next season? Whatever the case, look for Zibanejad to factor into the Rangers plans for a long time. AV? Well, we’re not so sure.