Mark Stone has put up some impressive numbers so far this year, but he knows that’s only one part of the big picture in his dream to play in the National Hockey League. The 19-year-old captain of the Brandon Wheat Kings racked up 19 goals and 27 assists — 46 points in his first 22 games — to lead the entire Canadian Hockey League in scoring. The right winger is also one of the Ottawa Senators’ most enticing young prospects.
As Mika Zibanajed conducted his exit interview Wednesday, Peter Regin left Scotiabank Place, wearing a sling over his left arm and shoulder.
After some agonizing behind-the-scenes discussions, the Ottawa Senators have decided to send 18-year-old rookie forward Mika Zibanejad back to his Swedish Elite League team for the rest of the season.
Hear what the general manager and coach had to say.
Mika Zibanejad has one more game to prove he belongs in the best hockey league in the world. What do you think the Senators should do with their 18-year-old rookie?
Mika Zibanejad was alone with his thoughts Thursday afternoon at Joe Louis Arena. One by one, his teammates came off the ice following practice, leaving the 18-year-old poster child for the new-look, rebuilding Ottawa Senators to scoop up the pucks and ponder his surroundings leading up to the official beginning of his NHL career Friday night.
It appears the Senators will have at least two high-profile rookies in the lineup when they kick off the NHL season next week in Detroit.