How about... After the 2020 NHL Draft, the Lightning’s odds continue to improve but we know the Lightning still have cap issues (check the RFA column)

Seven NHL teams haven't played since mid-March... Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators and San Jose Sharks. Advantage or disadvantage? I am thinking most will say disadvantage but I am going advantage.

The group of seven will be motivated,, They want to prove they belong in the playoff picture, especially with the possibility of another short season. These teams know they have a chance to prove their worth on the ice.

TV Contract... The contract with NBC Sports expires at the end of this season, in Canada, the contract with Rogers Communications is up after the 2026 season, so let's focus on the US broadcast rights.

The talk is there could be up to three different networks involved in the next deal. Recently mentioned were NBC Sports Group, ESPN and TBS. It will be interesting to follow as we get closer to the contract end date but do understand, the NL will be looking for a much bigger number than the 10-year, $2 billion which is what NBC Sports Group paid.

I'd like to see some kind of out of the box contract, making sure the fans are well-served with every game, available to every fan. Understand, cable and satellite are fading, streaming and time-shifting is growing, get creative Mr. Bettman. On a personal note, get the NHL Network on YouTube TV.

The officiating... Yes, complaints about it during the playoffs were plenty, but there are complaints every year during the playoffs. Try to make the right call but no major changes need to be made.

Offside change... According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the language of the rule would change to “having one skate in the air or breaking the plane is expected.” Right now, the rule says that at least one skate to be “in contact with, or on his own side of the line” for the player to be onside.

You, the fan... It's not like we went through another lockout, the NHL is not at fault for the pause in the season. But, while making my way around the NHL and the hockey world on a daily basis, I've noticed the passion level is not as high as it normally has been.

If you have sort of lost touch with the game, are you coming back? If you still consider yourself a fan and have not lost touch with the game, do you notice the same thing as I do, the passion level is down a notch or two?

That's it from me, back to looking for content for you, but remember we are in the dog days of the NHL.

Your turn.