from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- Keep hearing that David Backes and his Olympic friends T.J. Oshie and Kevin Shattenkirk were not exactly enamored with Kessel and van Riemsdyk as Team USA teammates.

- Two interesting situations to watch: 1) If Nashville fires coach Barry Trotz after all these years, how long before someone else hires him? 2) What happens if Pittsburgh has another unsuccessful playoffs. Does that make coach Bylsma available? Bylsma and GM Ray Shero weren’t exactly on the same page at the Olympics. A change may be necessary with the Penguins.

- George McPhee is the only GM in the NHL without a contract for next season. Not that he hasn’t tried to get an extension. But so far, nothing. Don’t be surprised if the GM Brian Burke is waiting for in Calgary is McPhee.

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