from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

Tallon and owner Vinny Viola met Wednesday, the morning after an ugly 5-1 loss in Minnesota that dropped Florida to 2-6 since Gerard Gallant was fired. Hours later, there was a report Tallon resumed control of the franchise’s day-to-day operations.

A few sources backed the information, indicating they were under the impression Tallon received increased responsibility. That included both agents and executives from other NHL teams. (Tallon himself could not be reached for comment.) However, owner Vinny Viola, reached Wednesday night, indicated nothing has changed.

“As far as I am concerned, Dale has always had final say over hockey decisions,” Viola said by telephone. “What we had done is bifurcate Dale from some things he didn’t need to worry about anymore [negotiating contracts, for example]. But, in terms of player decisions, it is his call.”

Viola’s comments were met with skepticism, since, for example, Tallon would not have supported Gallant’s firing or Erik Gudbranson’s trade. I’ve heard the same rumours as everyone else — about Tallon being pushed aside and losing power in the hockey department.

It’s weird. What I don’t understand is why there would be any report of a change if nothing was different.

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