Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

• Highlights: NJD 5, NYR 2 (4:55 video via NHL.com)
• Larry Brooks examines how the rules regarding assignment eligibility for junior age players, like Brennan Othmann, puts the Rangers in a bind (NY Post)
• Colin Stephenson observed how Sammy Blais looked in his first game action since tearing his ACL last November (Newsday)
• Vincent Mercogliano offers his takeaways from last night’s defeat against the Devils (LoHud)
• Rachel Nones discusses Vitali Kravtsov’s expectations going into the season and how he’s been given every opportunity to establish himself since returning to North America (The Hockey Writers)/

Around the NHL:

• The Toronto Maple Leafs agreed to a two year, $2.8 million contract with defenseman Rasmus Sandin (NBC Sports)
• The Czech government has reversed course on a previous statement, as Russian-born players for the San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators will be allowed to play in the season opening games in Europe (Sportsnet)/