from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- Word out of Wednesday’s Board of Governors’ meeting is that the possibility of an $80-million cap was floated for the 2018-19 season. A bit more context: this year’s cap could have been close to $79 million had both the NHL and NHLPA applied the full inflator. Other factors — Canadian dollar, revenue projections, escrow/inflator — will affect the final outcome, so it is impossible to pin down at this early time. But cap-strapped teams and GMs will like that possibility.

- Another candidate who makes a lot of sense for the NHL’s Player Safety Department: Mike Modano. He fits what they are looking for, and it wouldn’t be a stunner if he were in the mix.

- It’s possible that, for the first time ever, the majority of games could be played by people under the age of 27. One GM had a pretty interesting theory on young pre-NHL players and training camp. “I think you’re going to see this more and more every year. They are so well-trained now. Their seasons end earlier, their bodies aren’t as beaten up. They can go harder. The NHL vets, they need their rest. They are taking more and more time off-ice in the summer, and it’s not a bad thing. So, when camp begins, it’s likelier the younger players are more ready and make a better impression. It’s another reason the league is going younger.”

much more