from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

- The Canadiens were out of it by late February last year. But on Feb. 24, Montreal made a shrewd transaction by signing journeyman Paul Byron to a three-year, $3.5 million contract. The speedy Byron has been a good fit on Montreal’s third line with David Desharnais and Andrew Shaw. Through eight games, Byron had two goals and three assists while averaging 12:59 of ice time per outing, including 1:37 on the penalty kill. Byron, claimed on waivers from Calgary, potted a career-high 11 goals in 62 games last year.

- The general managers will meet in Toronto on Nov. 15. One of the discussion points will be clarification on shootout attempts. The GMs were buzzing about Vincent Trocheck’s shot on Oct. 18. The Florida forward whiffed on his first shot, but buried his second after the Lightning believed the play was dead. Video review concluded the puck continued to advance toward the net following Trocheck’s miss.

- A stat to apply to Connor McDavid’s prodigal talent: penalties drawn per 60 minutes of play. Through seven games, McDavid had drawn 2.84 minor penalties per 60, a reflection of his speed and strength on the puck. Opponents regularly have no choice but to hook, hold, or trip McDavid when he’s in full flight. In comparison, Brad Marchand was the Bruins’ leader through seven games with a 1.4 rate per 60.

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