from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- Brendan Shanahan can’t possibly believe his own words — being quoted as saying he has faith in the current construction of the Maple Leafs and get this, truly believes they can still contend for the Stanley Cup this season.

Now that’s a concern.

Maybe Shanahan, who doesn’t often speak publicly, chose his words intentionally, or carefully, the other day in Los Angeles. This isn’t like the days when MLSE boss Richard Peddie would say something about the Maple Leafs and Pat Quinn would roll his eyes in disgust. There can be power in Shanahan’s words. He’s a Hall of Famer, who has won more and accomplished more on the ice than anyone who plays for him. When he speaks, it matters, players listen, coaches listen, but the recent message is externally disturbing.

This Leafs team isn’t working. The construction isn’t right. The thought process, to put so much money into four players and so little into the rest of the team, is failing....

- Jack Eichel is having a Mats Sundin-like season in Buffalo. He leads the Sabres in scoring. He’s 27 and 37 points better than his nearest teammates.

- It’s bad enough that the Ottawa Senators traded five-goal man Mika Zibanejad to New York in 2016 for Derick Brassard. They also sent a second round draft pick to the Rangers in the deal … Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin are the best two-man show in the Eastern Conference. Since Jan. 1, Zibanejad leads the NHL in goals and Panarin leads in points.

- Alain Vigneault is not just sneaking in to the coach of the year talk in the NHL. He may be the clubhouse leader. John Tortorella, Mike Sullivan, Bruce Cassidy and Dave Tippett are all possible finalists for the Jack Adams.

more on the first topic, more on the Leafs and other hockey too plus Babcock/Keene comparison...