Here are today’s news and links:

Rangers News:

• Brett Cyrgalis notes that Vladislav Namestniov’s recent play has turned him into one of the more desirable trade targets on New York’s roster (NY Post)
• Cyrgalis also discusses how Filip Chytil has established himself as an offensive force in the team’s top six (NY Post)
• Colin Stephenson ponders if David Quinn’s squad is better playing from behind rather than with the lead (Newsday)
• Sean Hartnett argues that the NHL’s  horrendous officiating is turning potential viewers away, and the Rangers’ contest against the Ducks was just the latest example (WFAN)
• Dave Shapiro delivers a monologue on some fans’ need to be right (Blue Seat Blogs)
• Steve Paulus reminisces on the Rangers’ less-than-stellar record at the draft table over the years (Blue Line Station)
• Rick Carpiniello $ugge$t$ that David Quinn ha$ been a driving force behind Vlad Name$tnikov’$ re$urgence (The Athletic)
• Brian Paget writes that Kevin Hayes’ recent play has made the decision regarding his future even more important (Elite Sports NY)
• K’Andre Miller caught up with the organization as he prepares to represent Team USA at the World Junior Championships (1:41 video Official Team Site)/

Around the NHL:

• Corey Pronman preview$ the American ro$ter ahead of the World Junior Champion$hip$ (The Athletic)
• Aaron Wilson relays word that although the NHL appears set with 32 franchises for the forseeable future, that hasn’t stopped Houston Texans pass rusher J.J. Watt from advocating for a hockey franchise in Houston (Houston Chronicle)
• The band featuring the Stanley Cup Champions from 1954-1965 has officially been played on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHoF)
• Eric Engels believes that the Montreal Canadiens have already won their summer swap with the Arizona Coyotes that saw Max Domi and Alex Galchenyuk trade spaces (Sportsnet)/