Bantering Points: 7/9/25

Here are today's news and links:

From Blueshirt Banter:

Joe Fortunato examines the changes made to the Rangers defensive core this offseason (BSB)

Rangers News:

Justin Bonhard explores the possibility of this being Artemi Panarin's final season with the Rangers (Blue Line Station)

Rangers third-round pick Artem Gonchar will be making the transition to the OHL, joining the Sudbury Wolves (THN)

Sam Henes makes the case for Gabe Perreault not only being on the opening night roster but also having a top six role (THW)

Remy Mastey explains why forward Evgeny Kuznetsov could be a good option for the Blueshirts (THN)

Brian Abate explains the impact Scott Morrow can make on the Rangers defense after a rough 2024-25 season (THW)

Around the NHL:

The Edmonton Oilers have acquired and signed prospect Issac Howard from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for prospect Sam O'Reilly (NHL.com)

The NHL and the NHLPA have officially ratified the new four-year CBA, which expands the regular season to 84 games (SportsNet)

Former Seattle Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol has joined the Colorado Avalanche as an assistant coach (SportsNet)

The Pittsburgh Penguins are listening to trade offers for veteran forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust (TSN)

After sitting out the 2024-25 season, Riley Nash has officially announced his retirement (TSN)