from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- One GM: “How are you going to make up rumours when quarantines make trades so hard?”

- You could tell Patrik Laine had zero desire to answer questions about his future in Winnipeg — “I’m here, aren’t I? That’s the only thing I'm worried about right now.” — but I wouldn’t get too caught up in that. He’s blunt, but recognizes the reality.

Laine arrived in Winnipeg understanding it’s very possible he’s a Jet all season. If a trade is what he desires, his best option is to fill the net with pucks, and that’s what I’d expect him to do. I think Philadelphia considered it a few months ago, but backed away due to asset cost and salary. Laine is arbitration eligible for two more summers, then you’re buying UFA years. That’s a complicated contract in a flat-cap world. If Columbus believes it can get Laine to commit, that’s one to watch, eventually — assuming a trade can be worked out.

- Ottawa’s moves are interesting. There’s zero doubt they will be harder to play against and more competitive. They didn’t want to hand roster spots to their prospects, because that’s too easy. What I’m curious to see is if any of them see their routes blocked and express unhappiness about it. The Senators want those players to respond to the challenge.

- Wildest off-season rumour I chased: that NBA teams who shared arenas with NHL clubs wanted their hockey partners to move out for this season because of concerns COVID was more catchable in lower humidity.

28. The NHL’s biggest priority right now is starting the season, but, at some point, teams are wondering if there will be any changes to the draft. Selecting 18-year-olds is already a crapshoot. Now it’s going to be even harder with so few opportunities to scout them. Hopefully, the CHL finds a way (more for the kids’ sake than anything), but, if not, I wonder if regional combines featuring scrimmages are created a few months down the road to give everyone an opportunity to see and be seen.

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