from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun,

- The Islanders didn’t bring back centre Frans Nielsen (Detroit) or winger Kyle Okposo (Buffalo), who left as unrestricted free agents last summer. They were both named representatives for their respective teams in the NHL all-star game later this month in Los Angeles and that’s one reason why GM Garth Snow’s job is on the line.

- The Tampa Bay Lightning got goaltender Ben Bishop back from injury Thursday and he made 24 stops in a 4-2 victory over the Sabres to help get the club back on track. The question is: Will he finish the year there? Making US$5.95 million, Bishop, 30, is a UFA on July 1 and there’s been plenty of speculation about his future because Andrei Vasilevskiy is poised to take over the No. 1 role next season. Word is the Dallas Stars made a call to the Bolts about Bishop but, if Tampa is going to trade him, GM Steve Yzerman is asking for a host of assets in return. After a trip to the East final last year, Tampa has to worry about making the playoffs so they may keep Bishop past the deadline because without him Friday night the club dropped a 3-1 decision to the Columbus Blue Jackets with Vasilevskiy in net.

more including Coyotes talk.