from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

- As the NHL considers its next expansion, one of its priorities is to address the imbalance between the East (16 teams) and West (14). If it considers realignment, neither Detroit nor Columbus will be moved back to the West. In 2013-14, both were shifted to the East, which is where they’ll stay, according to commissioner Gary Bettman.

- The NHL always cites goalie safety when considering equipment size. One piece of gear that is unrelated to safety is the stick. Shrinking it or even making goalies play with a skater’s stick should be the first consideration.

- The Leafs are racing toward the worst record in the league. Yet Mike Babcock’s hair looks like that of a 25-year-old. Millions, including me, want in on Babcock’s secret.

many more hockey topics...