Rangers News:

Mollie Walker relays word that Kaapo Kakko is set to return to the lineup this afternoon after being removed from the COVID Protocol list (NY Post)
Walker also saw David Quinn downplay his decision to bench Mika Zibanejad during Thursday night’s contest (NY Post)
Colin Stephenson notes that Igor Shesterkin’s injury is not as bad as initially feared, and is day-to-day with a groin strain (Newsday)
Sean Crimmins details how Ryan Lindgren has emerged as a critical piece of the Blueshirts’ defense corps (The Hockey Writers)

Around the NHL:

Salim Valji highlights the attributes that Darryl Sutter will bring to the Calgary Flames in his second stint as the team’s head coach (TSN)
Dave Melton reports that Chicago Blackhawks’ defenseman Brent Seabrook is no longer physically able to play in the NHL, and his career is over (Second City Hockey)
Rory Boylen hears that Buffalo Sabres’ general manager Kevyn Adams felt the need to clarify the fact that superstar forward Jack Eichel is yet to demand a trade out of Buffalo (Sportsnet)
James O’Brien discusses the hit from Washington Capitals’ forward Tom Wilson that landed Boston Bruins’ defenseman Brandon Carlo in the hospital (NBC Sports)