from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- As much as the last two months exceeded all expectations, I don’t think there’s much that will be incorporated from it as the NHL returns to normal. One thing I wondered about was weekday triple-headers. People enjoyed the extra hockey without another game at the same time. Could late-afternoon playoff games become a regular occurrence? The answer appears to be no. I understand why. Regular work schedules will resume, and afternoon games tend to mean lower food/alcohol/concession sales.

- No confirmation from team and/or agents, but word is Carolina was willing to look at eight years, $7.5 million per year on an Andrei Svechnikov extension. That’s not low, but the player is willing to bet on himself to do even better, which is why this might end up being a bridge deal — for now.

- When it comes to Patrik Laine, it sounds like he and the Jets are trying to solve an issue before it really becomes a problem. Winnipeg has term with Kyle Connor, Nikolaj Ehlers, Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. That’s what they like and it’s why I think an Ehlers trade, as has been rumoured, is not Winnipeg’s want. Laine’s next negotiation will be massive. In the meantime, the winger wants guarantees of playing with Scheifele, which the Jets aren’t so willing to give. My sense is the Jets are saying, “Let’s try and do this now before we have to negotiate again.”

There’s a legit chance it happens. Columbus, hoping to make a major move, is in there, but is there a match? Same with Carolina. Two teams that could do it: Los Angeles and Philadelphia. I’m just not sure they would. I also wonder about the Islanders. It’s the kind of stealth move Lou Lamoriello would love. But they’ve got cap issues and it’s not like he’d give us a hint.

-more Hockey Thoughts plus what's what's next for the NHL..h