via Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- The consternation over the Auston Matthews’ contract negotiations needs to end. A deal will get done. With bonuses or without. The Lou Lamoriello way. His team. His term. His rules.

- There’s a reason Jamie Benn got paid more money than Stamkos got in Tampa. For the past two seasons, he has been the better, more impactful player.

- The suspicion here: The Florida Panthers will expose 38-year-old Roberto Luongo in the expansion draft next June. Odds are Las Vegas will pass on Bobby Lou.

- The NHL rules are not out yet, but there’s a belief the Leafs won’t have to protect Nathan Horton in the expansion draft, even though it’s expected players with no movement clauses must be protected. The thought is that long-term injured players won’t factor in the draft either way. They can’t be chosen, won’t have to be protected. Leafs won’t leave much available in expansion draft: Maybe Peter Holland.