from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- Let’s reset a few storylines as the season resumes. All eyes are on Winnipeg as the Jets decide what to do with Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd. Byfuglien’s “I don’t mind Winnipeg at all” quote got some negative play, but I was there and didn’t take it that way. He’d been asked about it a few times already and he’s understated at the best of times. There was a pretty funny exchange right after with several reporters about his love for ice fishing, the outdoors and how the Manitoba capital is perfect for that. He told a great story about how unprepared Anthony Peluso was for ice fishing — he didn’t have the proper clothes — and got so cold he’s refused to go again. My current position hasn’t changed, that the Jets want to sign Byfuglien and continue to debate how much term they wish to give. Meanwhile, they seem to be at a standstill with Ladd. Of course, no surprise if this prediction turns out totally wrong.

- The only interesting thing to add about Jonathan Drouin is that word is he’s willing to be patient about his role once he gets to a new organization. There’ve been reports he’s demanding an immediate top-six spot, but one GM who I think is interested said he didn’t believe that was the case. Simply wants a fresh start. We’ve been talking St. Louis and Tampa for a while now, and opponents suspect if those two clubs actually wanted to do something, they could. Blues GM Doug Armstrong has said he wanted to wait for Jaden Schwartz before making any decisions, and the forward won’t play Tuesday night. An appointment on Wednesday should determine his return.

- Remember Anaheim is overflowing on the blue-line, looking for young forwards. Dallas would like to add a defenceman, but there’s a possibility Jim Nill plays it more conservatively than we expect. He’s a big picture thinker, and may look at the Stars as going through the process, as opposed to being at the apex of it. Very intrigued to see what he’ll do. Minnesota would love to add scoring — the sooner, the better. Calgary controls the goalie market. That could change depending on late-season or playoff results, but the if the Flames wish to strike now for next season, they’d have more options than others before the market heats up. No idea what Vancouver’s defence looks like after the deadline, particularly if they are still in it.

much more