[Bits] Barzal bubble, Shatten-buyout, Girard extension

No real Islanders updates for this first Dog Day of August, but some news around the Metro and a contract that likely impacts a key Isles RFA next summer...

• Five centers who fell short (“on the bubble”) of NHL.com’s Top 20 Centers list, including Mathew Barzal. [NHL]
• Interesting story where former NHLer Bobby Butler, who has a new job as director of hockey operations for the Junior Railers, could also sign as a senior Railer in Worcester. [Telegram] [h/t Soundin’ Off notes from Fornabaio]
• In News That Affects Ryan Pulock Next Summer: Samuel Girard reaches a seven-year deal with the Avalanche. [Mile High Hockey]
• Dave Tippett says Connor McDavid will be used less on the PK, more in lethal offensive situations. [TSN]
• Kevin Shattenkirk, who has Larry Brooks’ Classy Seal of Approval (Idea for a media study: Go back and compare coverage of Shattenkirk to that of Dan Boyle, who lacked the Seal), will be bought out by the Rangers. [Post]
• The Devils avoided arbitration, found a three-year extension with Will Butcher. [AATJ]
• The Vegas expansion draft members: Where are they now? Only eight remain with the Knights. [Sportsnet]
• With the Wild GM fired, Jason Zucker may finally see his name taken out of trade rumors. [NHL]
• If you’re a history buff, you may know the massive, global impact of the “Spanish” flu at the end of World War I. Did you know it took out the Stanley Cup too? [SB Nation]
• Calgary’s city council has approved an arena deal for the Flames. [Matchsticks & Gasoline | Sportsnet]
• The Senators will not be competitive until they prioritize hockey over finance. [Sportsnet]