Now that the Tropicana's ownership issues appear to be solved (zillionaire Carl Icahn has been awarded the beleaguered--but potential-filled operation), rumors are starting to emerge about who will be handed the keys once new ownership is in place.

We hear that a former top-tier AyCee exec, who most recently ran a $2 billion-dollar-plus playpen half-way around the world, was recently seen at the Trop. If true, that augers well for the casino-hotel complex, which --with the infusion of capital, stability and elbow grease--could become one of the town's dominant properties. The suit in question definitely innovated during his last term in Atlantic City.