Bantering Points: 5/31/25

Here are today's news and links:

From Blueshirt Banter:

Roberto Solis-Byxbee examines Mika Zibanejad's up-and-down performance throughout the 2024-25 campaign (BSB)

Chris Feldman breaks down the latest early playoff exit of the Toronto Maple Leafs ahead of what's shaping up to be an off-season of change for Toronto (BSB)

Rangers News:

Tom Urtz Jr. highlights 2022 fourth-round pick Noah Laba as a prospect to keep an eye on as he embarks on his first professional season with AHL Hartford next season (Blue Line Station)

Jennifer Streeter reports that Henrik Lundqvist was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame on Sunday (Blue Line Station)

Zach Berta takes a look at what a potential trade package for Buffalo Sabres' forward J.J. Peterka could look like (The Hockey Writers)

Stan Fischler points to the error the Blueshirts made in passing over Kris Knoblauch for the heading coaching job as a key factor in the Edmonton Oilers' success since handing Knoblauch the reins midway through last season (The Hockey News)

Remy Mastey discusses why the 2025 offseason may not offer much excitement on Broadway compared to what's likely to happen in 2026 (The Hockey News)

Peter Baugh comb$ through New York'$ current depth chart a$ Chri$ Drury prepare$ to embark on a make-or-break off$ea$on (The Athletic)

Around the NHL:

The Buffalo Sabres hired former Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen as a senior advisor to the organization (NBC Sports)

With a rematch between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers locked in for the Stanley Cup Final, the series schedule has been announced (Sportsnet)

The New York Islanders agreed to contract extensions with defenseman Adam Boqvist (one-year) and forward Kyle Palmieri (two years) (TSN)

Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews confirmed his plans to return to the NHL for the 2025-26 campaign following two seasons out of action (ESPN)