from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- Not surprisingly, there was a lot of Montreal conjecture after Letang’s name was reported.

I could see a trade match and do believe the Canadiens are on his list of clubs he can go to. Adding him means they would have almost $27 million per season tied up in Karl Alzner, Letang, Jeff Petry and Shea Weber for the next three seasons (barring other moves). Petry’s contract would be the first to expire, in July 2021. That’s a lot of financial concentration on the blue line.

I always wonder about Detroit whenever a top defender is available.

- Sounds like Arizona is working to find Anthony Duclair a fresh start. At 22, have to think someone takes a shot.

- Anonymous quote of the week comes from a Western Conference coach, who said, “Once Connor McDavid starts shooting on the power play we’re all dead.”

Edmonton’s man advantage is 22nd — up a little from last week — but it’s the one area where McDavid hasn’t exerted full dominance.

In his 163-game career, he’s got nine power-play goals. Alex Ovechkin leads with 42 over that span, Jamie Benn and Wayne Simmonds follow with 34.

Not only that, but McDavid’s taken only 54 extra-man shots in 118 games the last two seasons — 102nd among all NHLers.

“I shouldn’t tell you this,” the coach said, “But it makes them easier to defend.”

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