Rangers News:

Brett Cyrgalis details why Kaapo Kakko won’t be starting his NHL career on the Rangers’ primary power play unit (NY Post)
Cyrgalis also notes that Brendan Smith’s versatility has not only won him a roster spot, but ice time in the team’s home opener as well (NY Post)
Steve Serby chatted with Jacob Trouba ahead of his Blueshirts’ debut later tonight (NY Post)
Colin Stephenson writes that a bevy of new faces in the locker room have brought a new sense of optimism for New York’s season (Newsday)
Andrew Steele-Davis hypes up the final hours leading up to the season opener (Blue Line Station)
Frank Curto believes that Filip Chytil’s demotion to AHL Hartford was the right decision (Elite Sports NY)
Curto also argues that keeping Chris Kreider in the fold beyond this season is a necessity for the Rangers (Elite Sports NY)
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Around the NHL:

The Sports Network announced that they’ve agreed to terms with analyst Bob McKenzie on a five year contract extension (TSN)
Prior to their 5-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced John Tavares as the 25th captain in franchise history (Pension Plan Puppets)
After seeing his on-ice career end due to a degenerative disk disease, Ottawa Senators’ forward Ryan Callahan is staying involved in the game via an analyst position with the NHL Network (NBC Sports)