from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- There is no certainty to this - but Brendan Shanahan is considering pulling a Ken Dryden: In other words, as the Maple Leafs president searches for his general manager he might end up doing the job himself. It isn’t his first choice but sources indicate he’d rather take the job for now than pick the wrong person.

- The NHL is in love with the idea of expanding to Seattle. Which tells me they don’t understand the market very well. An expensive survey conducted years back determined that 68% of junior hockey goers in Seattle left without knowing or caring who won the game.

- Gary Bettman on success in the NHL: “Ownership is the key difference,” the commissioner said. “You see it in the franchises that are successful. You see it in the franchises that aren’t.” Which ain’t exactly complimentary to the rich kids from Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, who make money not wins.

- Bettman maintains that all is well with the Florida Panthers and the Arizona Coyotes and who are we to doubt his word?

more including if Stamkos want to leave Tampa....