from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

- Mike Babcock, whose last eight teams in Detroit and Toronto combined to win one playoff series, ultimately lost his job behind the Maple Leafs bench because he refused to coach the roster he was given while instead pining for the one he wanted.

It is not only clear, but crystal, that MLSE president Brendan Shanahan, the man both behind and in front of the franchise curtain, expects the progressive and largely analytics-driven world view of the organization that has permeated every step of the operation to manifest itself on the ice, as well....

- ... If the Flames knew they could sign Hall to an extension, would they move Johnny Gaudreau (five goals, 18 assists, 23 points in 25 games and with a cap hit of $6.75 million per through 2021-22) for the pending free agent?

Would the Devils make that deal, or would Shero seek a more traditional rental return (first-rounder, prospect, et al) for No. 9?

- So if the NHL is forever fiddling with rules in order to promote offense, is it not time for a carryover power play to begin with an offensive zone faceoff rather than the traditional period-opening draw at the center dot?

Why, yes. Yes it is.

more on each of the first two topics plus other notes...