from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

- Rival GMs will keep a close watch on Stan Bowman this summer. The Chicago GM could use the offseason to re-sign Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, who will be UFA after 2014-15. That Toews and Kane will re-up with the Blackhawks is a given, most likely for the eight-year maximum. Toews is 26. Kane is 25. Their extensions will cover the sweet spot of their careers. But Bowman’s counterparts will be curious to see the two superstars’ average annual value. Their salaries will set the top end of the market, maybe even higher than Anaheim’s Corey Perry ($8.625 million) and Ryan Getzlaf ($8.25 million). Their contracts will help to define the value of David Krejci, Jason Spezza, and Bobby Ryan, who will also be unrestricted after next season.

- San Jose GM Doug Wilson announced on Thursday that Dan Boyle will not be re-signed. The Sharks will compensate for Boyle’s departure by moving Brent Burns, once Joe Thornton’s righthand man, back to defense. The Sharks could still get an asset for Boyle by trading his rights before he reaches the market. If so, expect Detroit to be in the mix. The Red Wings need a right-shot, puck-rushing defenseman such as Boyle. Boyle would be the equivalent of Brian Rafalski — a small but smart, mobile, experienced, and offensive-minded defenseman.

- It seems like a matter of time before the NHL makes bird’s-eye TV cameras the same in every rink. Coaches often look to video from up top to complement other angles. But the top-down look differs depending on each network’s feed. Some networks use tighter shots than others. A leaguewide standard would make video scouting easier for coaches and management.

more including the changing of the makeup of the fourth liners...