Q and A with Ottawa Senators 2011 First Round Draft Pick Mika Zibanejad
It’s easy to see why NHL scouts became more intrigued by Mika Zibanejad as the 2011 Draft drew near, because along with being a tremendous talent, the big Swede is one of the nicest, hardest working, most intelligent 18-year-olds you’ll ever meet. There have been numerous times where I wanted to give up on the business of hockey over the past couple years, and I can honestly say that Mika’s drive, and determination to be the best has inspired me to say the least. This season, he held his own while playing against men in the Swedish Elite League, potting 5 goals and 9 points in 26 games with Djurgården. He also suited up for 27 games with the Djurgården U20 club, scoring 12 goals and 21 points, and helped Team Sweden capture the silver medal at the 2011 IIHF World Under-18’s, racking up 4 goals and 8 points in 6 tournament games. The kid is a player folks, and he performs his best when the game is on the line, and is needed the most. Zibanejad is a true power forward, with a hockey IQ that is through the roof, and incredible hands that enable him to create opportunities for himself and his teammates all over the ice. The 6-foot-2, 192-pound pivot loves getting physically engaged, is strong along the boards and on the puck, has an excellent shot, is a good skater, great on faceoffs, and is simply just an all-round player with incredible offensive upside. I could seriously go on and on about how talented the youngster is, but it would be easier for you just to watch some of his highlights on YouTube. There is no doubt in my mind that Ottawa has a future captain in Mika Zibanejad. I had the pleasure of catching up with the Senators 6th overall pick, for another Q and A.
You have had an incredible year, from playing with Djurgården in the Swedish Elite League, winning an U18 silver medal, and being selected 6th overall by the Senators in this year’s NHL Draft. What would you say was the highlight?
Mika: It’s a hard question, but I think to get drafted is the highlight! To see all your hard work so far get a result, and that kind of accomplishment is really nice, but that makes me realize that I have to work even harder to take my game to the next level.
In the days leading up to the draft, did you know Ottawa was serious about taking you, or did you think you would land elswhere?
Mika: I was in Ottawa for a visit, so I guess they were intrested and I really liked everything about them, so I was hoping for it, but I had no idea where I was gonna be drafted.
I know there are always weird questions at the NHL Combine, do you remember any of the strangest ones that were thrown at you?
Mika: Haha, actually the only one I can think of is that they wanted to see how big my hand was! But, I think that was the only one haha.
Only 30 players a year get to experience draft day as a first round pick, what were some of the highlights of the weekend for you aside from being selected?
Mika: I think everything around the draft, to be there with your family and the people who have been there for you all the time no matter what. I think to share this experience and memory with them was the highlight.
Almost immediately after being selected, you were off to Ottawa for their prospects camp. How was it, who impressed you the most, and how do you think you performed?
Mika: It was really good. I’ve obviously never been at a development camp before, so it was an experience for sure! And, I was impressed with each player at the camp. Every guy had something that really stood out.
Did you form any close friendships with any of the other Sens prospects while at camp?
Mika: You pretty much talked to every guy a little at least once or twice, but of course the Swedes that I have not met before. But, it was fun to get to know new people, and especially when you notice that everyone is really nice to you.
Did any of the Senators veterans talk to you, and if so what did they say?
Mika: I actually met the captain Daniel Alfredsson and I got to have a little chat with him, just talked about everything. He welcomed me, and he congratulated me on the draft, and that was pretty much it actually.
What did the coaches tell you, as far as what you need to work on this summer in order to possibly start in Ottawa next year?
Mika: Well, try to work on some details. Both parts agreed on what I have to work with, and it’s pretty much about the core and balance. They also told me just to keep the hard work up.
What did you like the best about the City of Ottawa in your two weeks there?
Mika: Well, I liked pretty much everything in Ottawa, but I have to say that they had Katy Perry there for a concert in Scotiabank Place, and that was the coolest haha.
Okay, I gotta ask, after you put that amazing hit on John Klingberg what was said to you on the bench afterwards by your teammates?
Mika: Well, there was not too much said about it right after, just maybe, “Cool hit buddy!” But, they commented on it in the locker room afterwards haha.
I know you’ve scored some nice goals in your young career, but the one against Adam Larsson where you eluded his hit really sticks out in my head as a beauty. When you got in the clear, what was running through your head, because you made that entire play look way too easy?
Mika: Well, obviously I didn’t have too much time to think what I was going to do with the puck, and everything was like a natural motion. Sometimes you succeed with those kind of things, sometimes not, and I guess I was lucky this time.
I tried that exact same play back in Midget hockey against a big defenseman from Terrace, BC, and the result wasn’t nearly as glorious, he sent me flying with a hip check and I landed on my noggin. Some people have skill, some people don’t haha. Okay, on that note, who was the best player you played with and against this year?
Mika: I have to say with has to be Marcus Krüger, and against has to be Dick Axelsson actually.
You’ve already had a few nicknames thrown your way, TSN referred to you as “The Persian Prince” and I of course have tagged you as “Zoolander” is there any others?
Mika: Haha, well I got a few. I’ve heard Zibby, Z-bad, Z, a couple random ones haha, but obviously I got some.
What are your plans for the summer as far as hockey and training are concerned?
Mika: Obviously working out, hang out with friends, just relax and try to gather all the energy and power I can until the season starts.
Most embarrassing song on your iPod?
Mika: Well, I have to go with a Justin Bieber song obviously!
