Bantering Points: 9/22/26

Here are today's news and links:

From Blueshirt Banter:

Jake DiBlasio takes a look at the expectations for Igor Shesterkin this upcoming season (BSB)

The podcast question thread is up for this week's episode of Blueshirt Bandwidth, so ask away (BSB)

Keegan Jarvis discusses which storylines are worth following in Hartford for the 2026-27 season (BSB)

Chris Feldman recaps the New York Rangers' preseason loss against the New Jersey Devils

Rangers News:

Andrew Crane talks about former Ranger Kevin Hayes announcing his retirement after five KHL games (NY Post)

Mollie Walker analyzes the Rangers and general manager Chris Drury prioritizing the youth movement (NY Post)

Peter Baugh talks with Marcus Pettersson about his playstyle of taking a lot of hits (The Athletic)

Around the NHL:

The Dallas Stars and forward Sam Steel have agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension (SportsNet)

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury (SportsNet)

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua's status for the team's season opener is uncertain (SportsNet)

Here is a look at the third part of the NHL Network's top 50 players, examining players ranked 20-11 (NHL.com)