from Bruce Garioch of the Ottawa Sun via Canoe,

- The betting money is the Winnipeg Jets will be patient with coach Paul Maurice and he won’t be given his walking papers. The Jets haven’t had the kind of season anybody expected but Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff hasn’t been the kind of guy to make quick moves in the past.

- The talk around Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos won’t stop unless he signs a deal to stay with the club between now and July 1. It’s only getting louder as the playoffs approach with no meaningful discussions taking place with Stamkos’ camp. As the most valuable UFA on the market, there will be a bidding war if Stamkos does decide to shop himself around and some executives are speculating he could get an eight-year deal worth $10.5 million per season. A lot of interest could come from Canadian teams and we’re not just talking about the Toronto Maple Leafs. The belief is the Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens will be among the list of suitors along with the Buffalo Sabres. Buffalo GM Tim Murray is one to watch because he hasn’t been afraid to make moves in the past, but the Bolts will make another push to sign Stamkos once the off-season begins.

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