1. The fact that Connor McDavid's camp – meaning The Man, His Wife and His Agency – has not okayed an Oilers contract does not mean he's leaving Edmonton; nor is close to doing so.
2. There's still plenty of time for a deal and still plenty of love in Edmonton. Plus, Mrs. McDavid's new boutique restaurant just opened this past spring and it's doubtful that she would want to have someone else mind the store;
3. The Islanders top pick rookie Matthew Schaefer has been talking up making the team so much that one suspects he'll play for the big club and that start. If he's not ready, coach Patrick Roy will want him to learn how to be a major leaguer in the minors.
4. This may seem like The Maven is stretching a point, but the Devils future will depend on one thing; whether Jack Hughes can stay healthy all season.
5. It's now nine seasons since the Red Wings have made the playoffs. Time is running out on former GM genius Steve Yzerman.
6. Nobody's firing Barry Trotz in Nashville but another non-playoff year for the Preds and Barry might very well want to coach again.
7. Speaking of coaching, all eyes will be on the return of Joel Quenneville behind the bench. It says here that Q will do wonders in Anaheim.
8. With the Ducks on my mind, I'm thinking that Cutter Gauthier will have a bust out season under Q.
Rangers Thoughts From Here, There And Everywhere
<b>1.</b> I don't know about you but I believe that it's downright insulting that Peter Laviolette spent two years here – got paid a ton – and didn't have the time to even deliver a good-bye thank you to the citizens of Rangerville who hosted him so well.
9. Kyle Dubas has done absolutely nothing to improve the Penguins. The non-flying birds figure to fail with both Sidney Crosby and Geno Malkin showing their age.
10. If I had to pick an "Unsung Hero" on the Panthers, it would be the ex-Rangers defenseman Niko Mikkola.