Remember that $3 million personal loan Tampa Bay Lightning co-owner Len Barrie owed Oren Koules? Barrie last week cryptically indicated he had made the payment that was due Monday. But there was no confirmation from Koules until Wednesday. Asked if he received the money, Koules texted back, "Yes."

The money was payback for a cash call last season that Barrie missed and Koules covered.

Why is this noteworthy? Because it is a positive step in the process as the owners, under mandates by commissioner Gary Bettman, work through their philosophical and financial differences about how to run and build the team.