Welcome to Saturday. Last night there was a party in Nashville that I am sure was fun if you were there, but for TV it was simply repackaged into a Nashville tourism commercial.

Leafs News

Much more fun was last night's Marlies game where they defeated the Grand Rapids Griffins 4-2. William Nylander returned to the lineup, picking up an assist for his first point since leaving for the World Juniors. T.J. Brennan scored a goal and picked up an assist to briefly move to the top of The AHL scoring tally, but was unfortunately bumped to second later in the night by a Providence Bruin. Booo.

William Nylander hits the ice in Grand Rapids for the Marlies - PPP
Two games in Grand Rapids, two wins for the Marlies, but all is not as rosy as it seems.

Should the Maple Leafs claim Raffi Torres? - PPP
NO.

Details revealed about new Toronto Maple Leafs logo - PPP
We know a little bit more about just what the Leafs will look like for their centennial.

Leighton records 45th career shutout, ties Bower for AHL record - NHL.com
Michael Leighton made 20 saves on Friday as the Rockford IceHogs blanked the Chicago Wolves 6-0. The shutout was Leighton's 45th of his AHL career, tying him with Johnny Bower for the league record.

All-Star Weekend

Tonight is the NHL All-Star Skills Competition featuring The Leafs fan favourite Leo Komarov.

Howdy to you too, Uncle Leo - PPP
It's clear that Leo Komarov has been enjoying his day in Nashville.

Predators, NHL help Nashville Inner City Ministry - The Tennessean
Some NHL players took time out from partying yesterday to help the local community.

What the John Scott Situation Says about the NHL - Jewels From The Crown
What I, and you, and everyone, find particularly galling about this all happening is the NHL's bizarre and unwarranted response to things.

Hockey News

GIFted: The CBJ's First Half in GIFs (Part II) - The Cannon
WARNING: This is very download intensive, but it is worth it.

No NHL playoffs in Canada? Bad for fans, bad for business - CBC News
It hasn't happened since 1970, but Canadian hockey fans are facing the prospect that none of their hometown teams will make the NHL playoffs.

Midseason Review: Mikhail Grigorenko - Mile High Hockey
More than any team in the NHL (save maybe Edmonton), the Avs are willing to throw their top talent in the deep-end and make them swim. So, why the kid gloves with offseason acquisition (and former No. 12 overall pick) Mikhail Grigorenko?

The Unheralded: Central Division - PensBurgh
A breakdown of players deserving more credit for their play, with reviews from writers from each of the teams in the division

Don't want to watch the NHL All-Star skills competition tonight? Wish you could watch "real hockey" instead? You can at 5:30PM EST on cwhllive.com

From The Branches