Bantering Points: 1/6/24

Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

Peter Botte chatted with Peter Laviolette about the relationship he had with legendary New York Islanders’ coach Al Arbour as he closes in on Arbour’s total of 782 regular season victories (NY Post)

Botte also talked with Brennan Othmann about his NHL debut and being one of only four players to attend yesterday’s optional skate (NY Post)

Colin Stephenson heard from Othmann about his shock upon being told he was being called up to make his NHL debut on Thursday (Newsday)

Vincent Mercogliano relays word that Blueshirts’ prospects Gabe Perreault and Drew Fortescue helped Team USA secure glory at the World Junior Championships as they knocked off Sweden 6-2 in the gold medal game (LoHud)

Tom Castro lists four players the Rangers could look to add to bolster their depth on the wings as the playoffs creep closer (The Hockey Writers)

Arthur $taple detail$ why Igor $he$hterkin got the nod a$ the Blue$hirt$ initial $election to All-$tar weekend rather than Artemiy Panarin (The Athletic)

Around the NHL:

IIHF President Luc Tardif has expressed optimism that the NHL will notify the IIHF whether or not its players will participate in the 2026 Olympics by the end of February (NBC Sports)

Chicago Blackhawks’ forward Connor Bedard exited his team’s 4-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils in the first period after being on the receiving end of a Brendan Smith high hit and did not return to action (Sportsnet)

The Vegas Golden Knights claimed defenseman Tobias Bjornfot off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings (TSN)