from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- It’s hard to say how long everyone is willing to wait, but several coaching sources said things are gummed up while Barry Trotz’s future unfolds. Trotz has informed interested teams he won’t rush, making sure his next NHL stop is best for him and his family. It’s difficult to predict a timeline. What’s also difficult to predict is how long some of his pursuers wait before asking another date to prom. Some teams aren’t in a huge hurry, as there are a lot of good candidates and not all are available as of yet. Several of them have begun interviewing other potential hires, but I’m not sure anyone is close. I do believe Winnipeg is very, very serious about Trotz, to the point I’m not convinced they’ve done detailed interviews with anyone else. He’s also believed to have communicated with Dallas, Detroit, Philadelphia and Vegas.

- Florida’s decision is getting closer, but I’d be lying if I said I knew 100 per cent where this is going. I’d be wary of throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

- Had heard San Jose talked to agent Allain Roy about its GM opening. He wouldn’t confirm or deny, but said, “My goal is to be the top agent for the next 20 years.” Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin is also on the radar there.

- Strange things happen, but I don’t think anyone’s expecting David Perron to hit the free-agent market.

- Per Ron MacLean, this is the first Final Four since 1980 where every team has a number-one pick on its roster. Colorado and Edmonton have two: Erik Johnson (2006, by St. Louis) and Nathan MacKinnon (2013) for the Avalanche; Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011) and Connor McDavid (2015) for the Oilers. The Rangers have Alexis Lafreniere (2020) and Tampa, Steven Stamkos (2008). Forty-two years ago, it was Gilbert Perreault (1970, Buffalo); Denis Potvin (1973, Islanders); Mel Bridgman (1975, Philadelphia); and Bobby Smith (1978, Minnesota).

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