Joe and Eric return for the 48th episode of Blueshirt Bandwidth, where summer doldrums meet big-picture debates. They kick things off with some Notre Dame college football tangents. From there, it’s back to Rangers talk: Calvin de Haan’s NHL future (or lack thereof), the ripple effects of mega-contract rumors around stars like Kaprizov, and what those numbers mean for the salary cap and Igor Shesterkin’s deal. Listeners’ questions fuel the heart of the show: How excited should fans really be heading into 2025-26? Which Ranger must rebound most—Mika Zibanejad or Alexis Lafrenière—for the team to take a step forward? Is the fourth line truly set? Plus: Artemi Panarin’s next contract, his Hall of Fame case, and the most egregious movies Joe hasn’t seen (prepare to be appalled). Give it a listen!

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Live from a hotel room in New Orleans, Joe and Eric dive into Episode 47 of Blueshirt Bandwidth—the Steven Kampfer episode. With little real Rangers news to chew on, the guys still find plenty to debate: from the bizarre exclusion of Chris Kreider in the Rangers’ 100th anniversary video, to the power play puzzle without one of the NHL’s top net-front presences, to where Alexis Lafrenière actually fits in Mike Sullivan’s system. Listener questions take things further, sparking conversation about Adam Fox’s playoff performances, future free agent targets (yes, including Jack Eichel’s rumored $15M ask), whether Brad Park deserves jersey retirement recognition, and the ongoing development of Braden Schneider. Plus, a few tangents about hotels, Western Conference exec gossip, and Chip23’s uncanny knack for stirring up arguments. Give it a listen!

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Joe and Eric dive into Dan Rosen’s “Three Questions Facing the Rangers,” focusing on Mike Sullivan’s surprising plan to start Mika Zibanejad on the wing alongside J.T. Miller. They break down what that means for the team’s center depth, Vincent Trocheck’s role, and the futures of Brennan Othmann, Brett Berard, and Will Cuylle. The guys also tackle questions from subscribers on Braden Schneider’s development, Dylan Garand’s path to the NHL, the captaincy debate, and USA Hockey’s Olympic roster outlook and the insane Adam Fox slander. Plus, some shots at Dom Luszczyszyn’s contract grades, Marc Messier’s coaching “what-ifs,” and a hilarious look at Gerard Gallant’s Shanghai Dragons intro video. Give it a listen!

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Shanghai Dragons Gerard Gallant announcement video

In the first-ever Blueshirt Banter Fantasy Expansion Draft, Eric, Joe, and special guest commissioner Roberto battle it out to build the best imaginary NHL franchise. With protection lists set, cap constraints looming, and plenty of chirps flying, the trio navigates surprising unprotected stars, risky long-term bets, and bargain gems—plus a few hilarious mispronunciations along the way. From strategic steals to baffling oversights, it’s part draft, part roast, and all Banter. Give it a listen!

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Blueshirt Banter Fantasy Expansion Draft

Vote on who drafted the better expansion team

In this week’s episode, Joe and Eric kick things off by embracing the dog days of summer with an unhinged examination of Rangers jersey numbers—including a nice one that has never been issued—and the return of Vitali Kravtsov (sort of). Then, they’re joined by Keegan Jarvis, Hartford Wolf Pack correspondent for Blueshirt Banter, for a long-awaited breakdown of all things Wolf Pack. Keegan shares insight on the Rangers’ AHL development pipeline, expectations for Brennan Othman, Brett Berard, and Gabe Perreault, and what Scott Morrow’s path to the NHL might look like. Plus: listener questions, predictions, PTO speculation, and a mini therapy session about the team’s drafting history. Give it a listen!

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Joe and Eric return for Episode 43—the Marty Biron episode—with a mailbag special. They open with thoughts on Conor Sheary’s curious PTO and what it signals about Mike Sullivan’s influence, the logjam of forwards, and how the Rangers will handle their crop of young players, including Brennan Othman and Gabe Perreault. From there, it’s a listener-driven AMA covering Marco Rossi, regression to the mean, expansion cities, contraction debates, who they’d steal from the 1994 team (hint: it’s not Messier), and plenty more. Give it a listen!

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Joe and Eric are back and they’re joined by The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler to break down the Rangers’ draft strategy, prospect development, and why Gabe Perreault and Scott Morrow could play big roles this season. They also dig into Chris Kreider’s amicable departure and Wolverine-hand saga, reassess the upside of Alexis Lafrenière, and debate the risks and rewards of trading for a top draft pick. Whether you're high on the Rangers' young core or skeptical about their timeline, this one’s for you. Give it a listen!

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Joe and Eric tackle the dog days of summer with no shortage of hot takes. From the Rangers’ safe pick of Dave Maloney to join Kenny Albert in the MSG broadcast booth, to the team’s flavorless schedule reveal, the guys dive into all things off-ice—and offbeat. They debate Chris Kreider’s reported anger over a missing tribute video, fantasize about Connor McDavid trade scenarios, and break down where Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard might fit in Mike Sullivan’s system. There’s also talk of power play shakeups, punchable NHL faces (looking at you, Paul Maurice), and the most iconic Rangers moments since 2010. It’s a little messy, a little emotional, and very Blueshirt Banter. Give it a listen!

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Joe and Eric are joined by Vince Mercogliano of lohud.com and the New Ice City podcast for an in-depth conversation about the Rangers' offseason moves. They break down the Gavrikov signing, the K'Andre Miller trade to Carolina, and what the new defensive pairings could look like under Mike Sullivan. Plus: what to expect from Scott Morrow, where Mika Zibanejad fits in the lineup, and why patience might be key for prospects like Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault. And, critically, is it sauce or is it gravy? Give it a listen!

Vince Mercogliano on X

LoHud.com Rangers Coverage

New Ice City Podcast

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Joe and Eric are back to break down one of the most pivotal weeks in recent New York Rangers history, covering everything from the K'Andre Miller trade and the signing of Vladislav Gavrikov to a surprisingly savvy draft and the possibility of a looming Jack Eichel disappointment. They dive into what Chris Drury got right, what it means for the team's future, and why the Rangers' new defensive core might be better than expected. Give it a listen!

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