from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- On the final year of his contract, Tyson Barrie will be motivated as a Leaf, heading to free agency next July. He apparently wants an eight-year deal and around $8 million a year. That’s star money.

- Jordan Binnington, with 40 career wins and 15 losses has filed for arbitration after winning the Stanley Cup in St. Louis. He was paid $431,183 for his half season or more as a rookie. Now, all bets are off and we really don’t know whether Binnington is one-year wonder or a budding star.

- The San Jose Sharks have four players to sign, including Joe Thornton, and just over $6 million in salary cap room. That makes it no sure thing the Sharks will sign Patrick Marleau, even at minimum salary.

- One thing that hasn’t been confirmed for the next season of Hockey Night In Canada: the return of Don Cherry and Coach’s Corner. Rogers is cutting all over the place, which included the removal of Bob McCown on radio and television and Doug MacLean doing the same. Cherry is handsomely compensated for his work. Not sure if this is a place they want to go with the 85-year-old.

a few more hockey topics...