Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

• Larry Brooks believes that even after an offseason filled with highly questionable moves, the Blueshirts have a legitimate chance to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2017 (NY Post)
• Mollie Walker notes that the philosophical shift in New York’s thinking that led them to make several of their offseason moves will be put to the test tonight (NY Post)
• Laura Albanese hears that after getting roughed up during a pre-season game, Ryan Reaves will be healthy enough to play tonight (Newsday)
• Vincent Mercogliano offers his thoughts on Mika Zibanejad, the Rangers’ young guns, and their decision to not name a captain (LoHud)
• Mercogliano also examines how the organization’s relationship with Vitali Kravtsov appears to have reached its breaking point (LoHud)/

Around the NHL:

• The Columbus Blue Jackets named their leadership group for the 2021-22 campaign, headlined by the selection of Boone Jenner as captain (TSN)
• Gary Bettman stated that as the season officially began last night, only four players remained unvaccinated against COVID-19 (Sportsnet)
• Sean Leahy relays word that the Montreal Canadiens agreed to an eight year, $63 million contract with forward Nick Suzuki (NBC Sports)/