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# From the Branches: Is the NHL draft a joke?
- URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/brandon-dubinsky-nhl-draft-a-joke-links-news-maple-leafs/
- Published: 2017-08-26T09:30:14.000Z
- Updated: 2017-08-26T09:30:14.000Z
- Description: Plus, the Toronto Furies hire a new coach
- Author: Gunnar Carlsson
- Tags: From The Branches, #chorus, #Import 2023-04-05 11:15

Happy weekend. Not much happened on yesterday—the day was a bit of a nothing burger, if you will. Apt, because I trekked to a burger place yesterday night only to find that they’re closed until early September. I’m still not over it. Here are your weekend links.

### [UPDATE: CONNOR BROWN SIGNS!](https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/toronto-maple-leafs-sign-connor-brown-contract-rfa-three-year-deal/)

Oh, also Brandon Dubinsky got angry about college free agency. Do you think he has a point?

> The college free agency situation in the [@NHL](https://twitter.com/NHL?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com) needs to be figured out...it's a joke especially to the guys that play major junior
> 
> — Brandon Dubinsky (@BDubi17) [August 25, 2017](https://twitter.com/BDubi17/status/901132360388890625?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

> Let me clarify...I want players to have all options they can when they sign a contract major junior players can't and it's not fair thats it
> 
> — Brandon Dubinsky (@BDubi17) [August 25, 2017](https://twitter.com/BDubi17/status/901164538082594817?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

#### ICYMI

[Our weekly Top 25 Under 25 review is here.](https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2017-top-25-under-25-recap-10-6/)

[Jeff Flanagan announced as head coach of the Toronto Furies - PPP](https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/toronto-furies-jeff-flanagan-announced-head-coach-2017-18-cwhl-draft-nicole-latreille-sommer-west/)  
Jeff Flanagan becomes the fourth head coach in Furies history.

[2017 Top 25 Under 25: #6 Connor Brown - PPP](https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/top-25-under-25-2017-toronto-maple-leafs-connor-brown-new-contract-2017-18-nhl-season-stats/)  
He scored 20 goals for the Maple Leafs, but moves down out of the top 5 this year.

[Auston Matthews is better than Connor McDavid - PPP](https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/auston-matthews-is-better-than-connor-mcdavid-come-at-me-oilers-fans-sbnation-top-25-under-25/)  
My name is seldo and I’m here to tell you why SB Nation is wrong

[The Connor Brown Contingency Plan - PPP](https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2017/8/23/16195204/connor-brown-the-contingency-plan)  
Can the Leafs exploit a cap trick to make salary room down the line?

**Other news**

[The next generation of Canada and USA stars face off in Lake Placid - The Ice Garden](https://www.theicegarden.com/2017/8/25/16186902/the-next-generation-of-canada-and-usa-stars-face-off-in-lake-placid-u18-womens-hockey?utm%5Fcampaign=theicegarden&utm%5Fcontent=chorus&utm%5Fmedium=social&utm%5Fsource=twitter)  
USA takes the three-game series 2–1 as the two countries prepare for the World Championship in January

[PTO Season: Any options for the Pens still out there? - PensBurgh](https://www.pensburgh.com/2017/8/25/16200654/pto-season-any-options-for-the-pens-still-out-there-ryan-white-chris-kelly-tryout?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
The Penguins need a center, are any tryouts a possibility?

[In a make-or-break year for Dylan Strome, a move to wing may be his best option - Five For Howling](https://www.fiveforhowling.com/2017/8/25/16162740/nhl-arizona-coyotes-in-make-or-break-year-for-dylan-strome-a-move-to-wing-may-be-his-last-option?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)  
In a make-or-break year for the Coyotes top prospect, a move to wing may be the only way to save him in Arizona.

> Hearing NCAA free agent Blaine Byron making an interesting decision. Will sign an AHL contract w/FLA containing an "out" clause...
> 
> — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) [August 25, 2017](https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/901084221040726017?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

> Word is Byron wanted to take this route rather than sign a two-year ELC. Bit of a bet on himself.
> 
> — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) [August 25, 2017](https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/901084943979294720?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

### Are the Free Agency rules for NCAA players working, or do they need to be changed?

| Dubinsky is right. It’s a joke only drafted NCAA players can become FAs. | 219 |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --- |
| The rules may need a few tweaks, but it’s not a big problem.             | 129 |
| It’s fine. He’s wrong.                                                   | 28  |