via Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- Not sure why it makes sense for the Leafs to open training camp in Halifax. With a new GM and a new coach, I would have kept my training camp at home and focus on the new beginning ... Oh, to be a fly on the wall when Lou Lamoriello addresses the Leafs for the very first time.

- For those wondering, Mrs. Daryl Sydor was home in Canada when her husband allegedly drove their 12-year-old to hockey while way over the legal drinking limit. The suspicion here: His NHL career is over.

- Almost every time Connor McDavid steps on the ice with NHL players who haven’t seen him before, the reaction is the same: I knew he was good. I didn’t know he was that good ... Still hate the fact that McDavid’s career begins in the Western Conference and Jack Eichel’s begins in the East. They may never meet in a playoff series, just like Sidney Crosby has never had a playoff series against Jonathan Toews ... I’m starting to think my original pick for McDavid — 70 pts on 18 goals and 52 assists as a rookie might be a bit off. I may be low on goals, high on assists.