Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

• Mollie Walker notes that Kaapo Kakko’s injury has provided an opportunity for Julien Gauthier to establish himself on Broadway (NY Post)
• Vincent Mercogliano ponders how the Rangers will move forward after placing Kakko on injured reserve (LoHud)
• Rick Carpiniello reports that there will be a changing of the guard on the Blueshirts’ beat, as Carpineillo will be retiring at the end of the month (The Athletic)/

Around the NHL:

• Former Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Mikko Lehtonen has signed a four year deal with KHL SKA St. Petersburg after refusing an AHL assignment at the end of training camp (TSN)
• Fentanyl and cocaine were found in Jimmy Hayes’ system when the late brother of Kevin Hyaes passed away in August (Sportsnet)
• James O’Brien recaps the only NHL game that took place yesterday, a 3-2 home victory for the Ottawa Senators over the Dallas Stars (NBC Sports)/