from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Su,

- You want a template for building teams? How about following the Dale Tallon model. He built the essence of the Chicago Blackhawks before moving to Florida. Now the Panthers are in first place and developing nicely. That’s what Lou Lamoriello needs to do with the Maple Leafs.

- I wonder: would the Tampa Bay Lightning have won the Stanley Cup last June if they had Seth Jones in their lineup instead of Jonathan Drouin? Drouin was sent to the minors Saturday.

- Department of embarrassing: John Scott, the no-talent, behemoth, twice-waived winger of the Arizona Coyotes has been voted a captain for the NHL all-star game in Nashville.

What began as a prank by fans who should know better, turned into ridiculous reality when the NHL announced the team captains and the first four all-stars on Saturday.

There is Patrick Kane, obvious. Jaromir Jagr, historical giant. Alex Ovechkin, goal-scoring great. And John Scott, owner of five NHL goals, career, none of them this season.

more on Scott plus other NHL notes...