Bantering Points: 9/25/24

Here are today's news and links:

Rangers News:

Highlights: NYR 6, NYI 4 (5:02 video via Official Team Site)

Larry Brooks doesn't think Rangers fans should worry about Igor Shesterkin's reported desire to table any contract extension discussions until after the season if a deal is not reached soon (NY Post)

Colin Stephenson examines how Reilly Smith will be the next man up as a third wheel candidate for the duo of Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad (Newsday)

Vincent Mercogliano points to the years of patience Zac Jones has put on display as the young defenseman is now on the precipice of a regular spot in New York's lineup (LoHud)

Jim Parsons whether or not a trade out of New York could be in the near future for Shesterkin (The Hockey Writers)

Around the NHL:

League commissioner Gary Bettman shut down rumors that further expansion to 34 NHL teams, with Houston and Atlanta being the likely cities, is on the horizon (TSN)

Adam Vingan names five players primed for breakout 2024-25 campaigns (TSN)

Dawson Petryshen lists five draft-eligible prospects for 2025 that are worth keeping an eye on as the hockey season, in the NHL and elsewhere, rolls along (Yahoo Sports)