Who is Mika Zibanejad's wife? Meet former Swedish footballer Irma Helin

Thanks to losses for the Florida Panthers and Buffalo Sabres on Sunday, Mika Zibanejad and the New York Rangers have clinched their spot in the 2023 NHL playoffs. The talented forward will now look to deliver the Rangers their first Stanley Cup since 1994.

"New York Rangers clinch playoff berth after loss by Panthers and Sabres #NYR" - Forever Blueshirts

Since joining the New York Rangers before the 2016-17 season from the Ottawa Senators, Mika Zibanejad has emerged as one of the top players in the NHL. Through 478 games with New York, Zibanejad has scored 203 goals and added 242 assists.

While he may be one of the most skilled forwards in the NHL, he may not be the most talented athlete in his family. His wife, Irma Helin, may hold that title. The beautiful 28-year-old has enjoyed a successful soccer career in her home country of Sweden.

"You deserve it, thanks for everything idol" - @fans_irmahelin

An avid soccer player from a young age, she was determined to pursue a career in the sport. She went on to play for the Piteå IF football club in the Swedish women’s league, Damallsvenskan. She was a midfielder for Djurgårdens IF Fotboll.

In 2016, Irma won her first Swedish National Women's Team cap, defeating Team Iran 7-0. Following the 2019-20 season with Djurgårdens IF Fotboll, Irma announced her retirement. She soon began her new career as a soccer pundit on Swedish Discovery Sport.

"Irma Helin Zibanejad tippar Allsvenskan 2023" - @dplus_sportSE

Irma and Mika Zibanejad have been together for over a decade, tying the knot on Aug. 28, 2021. On Feb. 27, 2023, Irma shared an ultrasound photo on her Instagram, announcing that the couple is awaiting their first baby girl.

"Our family is growing. Can’t wait to meet our daughter" - @irmahelinzibanejad

Wishing nothing but the best for the beautiful young couple and their future baby girl.

A look at Mika Zibanejad's road to the New York Rangers

After being selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators, Zibanejad's growth in the NHL started slowly before blossoming into a superstar. While he showed star potential with the Senators, scoring 64 goals and 78 assists in 281 games, it was the trade to the Rangers that moved him to the next level.

"Do you ever just think about the Zibanejad trade on a Friday night and cry" - Bonk's Mullet

The Rangers sent Derick Brassard and a seventh-round pick to the Senators in exchange for Mika Zibanejad and a second-round pick. Looking back, it was an awful deal for Ottawa, as Zibanejad has become a legitimate star for the New York Rangers.