Zibanejad Misses Practice Due to Illness, Status for Thursday Unknown

New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad is battling an illness and was unavailable for Wednesday's practice. His status for Thursday's game against Philadelphia remains unknown. Zibanejad has posted 23 goals and 52 points in 56 appearances during the 2025-26 season. Should he be unable to play, Noah Laba might shift into the top six, and Brendan Brisson could potentially make his NHL season debut.