Mika Zibanejad Makes Emotional Comments in First Training Camp Without Chris Kreider
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The New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad made emotional comments in his first training camp without Chris Kreider.
For the first time in over a decade, Rangers camp feels different. Chris Kreider is no longer walking through the doors at Madison Square Garden. After 13 seasons in New York, the veteran forward was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in the offseason for forward prospect Carey Terrance and a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
It's a tough change for the team, but maybe even tougher for Mika Zibanejad, who has spent the last nine years playing alongside Kreider.
They had great chemistry on and off the ice, and now, as camp gets underway, Zibanejad made a massive statement about playing without Kreider.
Zibanejad Opens Up On First Training Camp Without Chris Kreider
The 32-year-old veteran admitted that he had to adjust at first, but he felt it was coming and stated he's still friends with him even if they're not teammates anymore.
In his own words:
"It felt like it was coming. It wasn't out of the blue. I'm not going to stand here and lie and say it's part of the business.
Obviously, it was tough. It's an adjustment. As a human being, I'm not going to bury any of those feelings away. I just accept it. It's my longest linemate, longest teammate I've had in my career. It's one of my best friends. It's weird not to see him come through these doors.
For the first few weeks, I'm waiting for him to come, but I'm happy as long as he's happy. Just because we're not teammates anymore doesn't mean we're not friends."
Obviously, it was tough. It's an adjustment. As a human being, I'm not going to bury any of those feelings away. I just accept it. It's my longest linemate, longest teammate I've had in my career. It's one of my best friends. It's weird not to see him come through these doors.
For the first few weeks, I'm waiting for him to come, but I'm happy as long as he's happy. Just because we're not teammates anymore doesn't mean we're not friends."
With J.T. Miller stepping in as the new captain and Zibanejad looking to carry the load down the middle, there's plenty of reason to believe this group can bounce back after missing the playoffs last season.
Fans are hoping to see Zibanejad have a better season than he had last year, when he scored 20 goals, his lowest tally since the 2016-17 season.
The Rangers will take to the ice in two days against the New Jersey Devils. Stay tuned for more updates from the New York Rangers' training camp as we get closer to the start of the preseason.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 19 | 362 ANSWERS Mika Zibanejad Makes Emotional Comments in First Training Camp Without Chris Kreider Do you think Mika Zibanejad will score 30 goals or more this season? | ||
| Yes | 168 | 46.4 % |
| No | 194 | 53.6 % |
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