THE ATHLETIC's Michael Russo noted Predators Assistant GM Paul Fenton is considered by many in league circles as the "frontrunner to eventually become" the Wild's new GM. Sources said that former Maple Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. spent yesterday "in Minnesota interviewing" with Wild Owner Craig Leipold and President Matt Majka. Sources added that Devils Assistant GM Tom Fitzgerald today is "expected to be in the Twin Cities to meet with Leipold and Majka." Blue Jackets Assistant GM Bill Zito was "in Minnesota for an interview" last week (THEATHLETIC.com, 5/1).
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY:In Las Vegas, Alan Snel noted Golden Knights G Marc-Andre Fleury’s star power could have "easily seduced" the team’s business and marketing staff to "build a sales and marketing campaign" around him. But the Golden Knights "thought otherwise." Golden Knights Senior VP & CMO Brian Killingsworth said that the team's logo -- not a player -- "would be the face of the franchise" (LVSPORTSBIZ.com, 4/28). Meanwhile, in N.Y., Matt Rybaltowski notes Las Vegas-based Station Casinos is "staring at a seven-figure liability" if the expansion Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup. Wynn Las Vegas Dir of Racing & Sports Johnny Avello said that a handful of other sportsbooks nearby are "expected to incur similar losses on the futures market, producing an overall liability" between $5-10M for casinos in Las Vegas. Station properties have "tried to turn those losses into marketing wins" (N.Y. TIMES, 5/2).
RIGHT MAN FOR THE JOB: An ESPN.com roundtable examined how much more of an impact Maple Leafs Assistant GM Kyle Dubas will have after the team decided to move on from GM Lou Lamoriello. Greg Wyshynski wrote Dubas is a "young fellow who has tremendous upside, and if he doesn't become the general manager of the Maple Leafs, it's going to be his fault." Chris Peters: "I have a hard time seeing anyone other than Dubas being the GM at this point" (ESPN.com, 5/1).
COLOR CONTROVERSY: USA TODAY's Scott Gleeson notes the Lightning are "making it harder for the colors of playoff opponents to mix in with their blue and white on home ice." The Lightning's postseason apparel policy "permits only gear featuring the team's logo or 'neutral apparel' in its Lexus Lounge or Chase Club suites," and the fans of the Bruins, their second-round opponent, are "not happy." The Lightning "began this dress code for the first time" during the '15 playoffs (USA TODAY, 5/2).
