NHL notes: Leafs accidentally leak new jersey design

BUFFALO— The redesigned Toronto Maple Leafs jersey was supposed to make its debut Friday night at the NHL draft, donned by the team’s first overall pick.

But keen observers spotted the centennial edition look on Thursday, when the team accidentally posted it on the in-house app. Screenshots soon found their way to Twitter, while embarrassed team officials got the folks that run the app to take the picture offline.

Of note, one thick white band — reminiscent of the Harold Ballard-era look — circles the waist of the blue jersey. Two thin bands circle the elbows. There does not appear to be a shoulder patch, and there is no number on the front — common on other teams. SUBBAN BUZZ: The biggest scrum surrounded Montreal GM Marc Bergevin, who had to fend off questions regarding the future of star defenceman P.K. Subban. Talk is rife that the Habs are weighing offers for the dynamic Subban, whose nomovement clause kicks in on July 1.

“It’s not listening to offers. It’s taking calls,” said Bergevin. “When a GM calls, I don’t know what he’s calling me about. So I answer the phone and, yes, I’ve received calls on Subban, but I’m not shopping P.K. Subban, I can tell you that. (The calls) are pretty short.”

Both Edmonton and Vancouver are interested in the services of the 27-year-old former Norris Trophy winner. THE OTHER DRAFT: The league’s GM meetings went longer than scheduled Thursday, with next season’s expansion draft a top priority.

The idea is to have all 30 teams expose as many quality players as possible, including a goalie with NHL experience. Only nine players can be protected, plus those with two years or less of pro experience.

“As far as I’m concerned, we’re in excellent shape as far as the expansion draft,” said Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello. “Every team is going to be looking forward and making the moves they can for that. But it’s early, there’s plenty of time.” FINN ONE, FINN TWO: Though he’s widely expected to go third overall, there is chatter that Jesse Puljujarvi could go to the Winnipeg Jets at No. 2, ahead of Finnish compatriot Patrik Laine.

Laine, to many, is the equal of projected No. 1 Auston Matthews, but Puljujarvi is elite as well. He was asked to describe the difference between Matthews and Laine.

“Laine is a very good shooter, and Matthews is very good at everything,” said Puljujarvi. McGUIRE AWARD: Neil Doef, who suffered a spinal injury that ended his junior hockey career, won the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence.

Doef, of Smiths Falls, Ont., was once considered a prospect for the 2015 draft, but was hurt at the World Junior A Challenge in Kindersley, Sask., in December of 2014. He was the CCHL rookie of the year in 201314 with the Smiths Falls Jr. A Bears. Doef now walks with the help of a pole and an electric stimulation brace, worn on his left calf.

The award is presented annually to recognize commitment to excellence through strength of character, competitiveness and athleticism.