from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- Simple math: If you can’t kill penalties in the NHL, you can’t make the playoffs. The seven worst penalty-killing teams — Edmonton, Islanders, Philadelphia, Ottawa, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary — are all out of playoff positions right now.

- You’re John Tavares. You’re just about the best player in the NHL right now. You’re going to get huge money no matter where you play next season. Why would you sign on to stay with the Islanders, the worst defensive team in hockey with less than ordinary goaltending?

- Can you imagine a future U.S. Olympic hockey team with Auston Matthews, Boeser, Johnny Gaudreau, Patrick Kane, Blake Wheeler, Phil Kessel, Jack Eichel, Clayton Keller up front and Charlie McAvoy, Seth Jones and Zach Werenski on defence?

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