Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

• Vincent Mercogliano ponders where Brett Howden fits into New York’s plans moving forward (LoHud)
• Sean Hartnett offers his take on the Henrik Lundqvist situation (WFAN)
• Curtis Jetter writes that even before Chris Kreider plays a single game of the seven year contract extension he signed in February, the Rangers might already be regretting their decision (Blue Line Station)
• Brendan Azoff goes out on a limb by suggesting that the Blueshirts are better off holding onto their first overall selection (Blue Line Station)
• Brian Abate discusses how a flat salary cap will hurt New York’s chances of keeping Jesper Fast in the fold (The Hockey Writers)
• Rick Carpiniello expand$ on how the incoming flat cap will affect the team’$ off$ea$on plan$ (The Athletic)/

Around the NHL:

• Hockey Hall of Famer Dale Hawerchuk has passed away at age 57 following a battle with stomach cancer (Sportsnet)
• Travis Yost breaks down how teams around the league have experienced stretches of power play ineptitude that rival the Rangers’ post season power play units (TSN)
• James O’Brien recaps Alexander Ovechkin’s one man show that saved the Washington Capitals from getting swept out of the playoffs by the New York Islanders (NBC Sports)/