Rangers Roundup: Mika Zibanejad reacts to NHL Bromance snub, and Rod Gilbert NFT

Anthony Scultore Updated: Jun 24, 2022

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Mika Zibanejad and the New York Rangers are having a bit of laugh today.

The NHL is doing its annual Fan Choice Awards celebrating several categories like Best Goal, Assist, and Save. They also like to have some fun with unique categories like Best Bromance.

When it comes to that one specifically fans can choose from the following four choices:

• Justin Bieber and Auston Matthews
• Tim Stutzle and Brady Tkachuk
• Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello
• Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark

Pardon me, but who put this list together?

Where’s Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider?

It would be easy for any critic to call me biased because I cover the New York Rangers, but when did Boston’s Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark become a thing?

Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider are not only line mates, they are close friends and have been for several years. The fact that Kreider waits at the door for Zibanejad at the end of every game to give him a fist bump and/or a hug is reason alone to put them at the top of the list.

The omission even caught the attention of Zibanejad who tweeted out popping eyes emojis as if to say, “really?” The Rangers social media team replied to that tweet with a laughing emoji.

The Kreider and Zibanejad bromance may not be up for the NHL Fan Choice Awards but everyone knows there isn’t a bigger one in the league right now.

These playoffs even put a cherry on top of that cake when Kreider hilariously smashed an iPad out of Zibanejad’s hands.

After the game, reporters asked what that was all about and Mika laughingly looked over to Kreider saying, “Go ahead [and answer], you f**king threw it.”

Kreider shook his head smiling at Mika’ response and provided his reasoning for the grab and smash.

“He was looking at the breakaway and I heard him start second guessing his move and I didn’t really like that,” Kreider admitted. “He beat him clean, hit the post. No need to second guess.”

True bromance indeed.

Also Read:
Rangers star Artemi Panarin doesn’t really deserve playoff criticism

Rod Gilbert NFT

The New York Rangers and The Garden of Dreams are releasing a Rod Gilbert NFT.

Press Release:

New York, NY, June 24, 2022 – The Garden of Dreams Foundation, a non-profit organization that brings life-changing opportunities to young people in need, announces the launch of the first-ever digital commemorative patch on Fanaply, honoring Rangers legend and all-time scoring leader Rod Gilbert. Net proceeds from the collectibles will benefit Garden of Dreams, a foundation in which Gilbert was a long-time supporter of, devoting endless energy to its efforts. Beginning today at 10 a.m. ET, limited edition collectibles with tiered prizes and experiences will be available on msg.com/RodNFT. Fans will have the option to bid on or purchase items, with auction and buy now options concluding at 7 p.m. ET on Gilbert’s birthday, Friday, July 1.

“We were honored that the team wore the #7 patch on their jersey this season, reflecting that he was the heartbeat and the spirit of the New York Rangers. It means so much to the family to work with Garden of Dreams to honor Rod’s legacy and benefit the foundation that meant so much to him. He used his platform to give back to the community and especially to champion Garden of Dreams,” said Judy Gilbert, Rod Gilbert’s wife in a statement. “As his wife of 30 plus years, I watched as Rod invested an enormous amount of time and energy in raising funds and creating awareness as only Mr. Ranger could do”

The tiers of the NFT products and experiences that will be available are “Classic,” “Rare” and “Legendary” and include the following:

• Classic – A digital commemorative Rod Gilbert patch. An unlimited amount of these collectibles will be available at $7 each.
• Rare – A digital commemorative Rod Gilbert patch and memorabilia signed by Rangers legends including GAG line posters and a puck signed by Adam Graves. Five of these will be available at auction prices with a $150 starting bid.
• Legendary – The experiences being offered in this tier are four tickets to attend the Garden of Dreams Night Game on a date to be determined, as well as a dinner with Rangers greats Henrik Lundqvist and Adam Graves on a mutually agreed upon date. Plus, a digital commemorative Rod Gilbert patch. One will be available at auction price with a $500 starting bid.

Images of the front and back of the digital commemorative patches can be viewed HERE.

Also Read:
What can New York Rangers get in an Alexandar Georgiev trade

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By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore