It's the dog days of the NHL offseason, with the calendar finally ready to flip to August.
But there's still plenty to talk about, and debate, even with training camps more than a month away.
Enjoyed fielding some of your Lightning-related questions on Twitter (@TBTimes_JSmith), and here's my thoughts on some hot topics:
*How is Steven Stamkos doing?
Captain Steven Stamkos is having one heck of a summer, recently honeymooning with bride Sandra to celebrate last month's wedding in Toronto. He attended Victor Hedman's wedding a couple weeks ago in Sweden.
But Stamkos has also been working hard, continuing his recovery from mid-November knee surgery, which sidelined him for most of last season. GM Steve Yzerman has told me he expects Stamkos to be ready to go for camp and the start of next season. And the few times I've communicated with the Stamkos, he's been positive.
"He's doing great," agent Mark Guy said. "No issues."
The biggest question, however, is what Stamkos we will see on the ice this season? With a surgery of this magnitude, repairing a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee, there tends to be some lingering impact. Wild wing Zach Parise, who had the same surgery on the same knee in November 2010, told the Times it took him "a year and a half to get back to feeling back to normal." Stamkos was playing arguably the best hockey of his life last season when he got hurt. There's no doubt plenty of eyes will be on the face of the franchise when training camp opens in mid-September.
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