from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- If you had told Brendan Shanahan seven years ago that he would have no playoff series victories by now in his time as Maple Leafs president, he probably would have told you you were crazy.

He knew what he wanted to do when he took over the Leafs at the end of the 2014 season. He knew what he needed to establish. And, in so many ways, intentionally staying out the public eye, he has brought sense and conscience and stability to this long-time tire-fire of a sporting franchise.

He has brought just about everything but a playoff run. A playoff win even. But this year, as training camp opens on Sunday in a shortened irregular season, the possibilities are greater than they’ve ever been before.

This season shouldn’t be about winning a round for the Maple Leafs; this season should be about winning the all-Canadian North Division. It is right there for the taking, for all the Canadian teams — that cherry on the top of a sundae. And if you win the division, then you might as well win one more round and get to the Stanley Cup Final....

- The Bruins messed up with Zdeno Chara. He was their captain, their leader, a remarkable player and a man of quality on so many levels. They already lost Torey Krug to free agency. They didn’t handle Chara properly, not assuring him playing time and a decent role for the coming season. There’s still a place for Chara in the NHL, before he heads to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Boston will regret losing him to Washington.

- This is the challenge of following the world juniors: nothing happens. Then nothing happens. Then more nothing happens. Then everything happens at once and it’s amazing and just a touch exhausting.

more on the first topic plus other notes too...