from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- Something to watch: Ice time for Colorado’s Nikita Zadorov (15:40 per game) is down almost four minutes from 2017–18. It is by far the lowest of his career. Zadorov came a long way last season after being a healthy scratch on opening night. He’ll be 24 in April, and is a restricted free agent. Have not heard his name in any trade rumours, and there aren’t too many like him. Let’s see where this goes.

- Quietly, teams are trying to find out if Joel Quenneville wants to coach this season, and what situation(s) he prefers.

- Two years ago, Bettman phoned everyone (or a representative for those who have passed) on the NHL’s list of the top 100 players. He was supposed to do it over 10 days, but finished in a couple. He said one player didn’t recognize the number and ignored his calls. But the commissioner kept trying and eventually connected.

“Will you stop calling me? Why are you calling me? I’m not buying what you’re selling,” was the answer.

(Bettman didn’t say who it was.)

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