Gosh, that trade evaluator yesterday was amazing. Mikheyev and a first for Hall and Ullmark is possible, who knew!

Further on the rumours and speculation, here’s what came out from the insiders yesterday.

Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is under increased pressure to make a move to help the team in the future. It seems pretty obvious all pending UFAs must go. He is apparently making progress on deals, with now two teams in on Taylor Hall. The Toronto Maple Leafs should be one, though no one is willing to say it. The New York Islanders might be the other as they’re desperate to replace Anders Lee.

Kyle Palmieri has had his name thrown out there a lot this week, but LeBrun said he was scratched for contract reasons, not for a trade. Works for both, though.

This was a really good article from Sheng Peng on whether the San Jose Sharks can be that conduit team to make a three-way trade work around Taylor Hall. Definitely worth the read.

ICYMI: 31 Thoughts from Elliotte Friedman and Pierre LeBrun’s update at The Athletic.

31 Thoughts: Sabres juggling multiple scenarios ahead of trade deadline
LeBrun: Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas on his needs and...

In 31 Thoughts, one of the thoughts has Jamie Oleksiak as a depth defenseman option for a team like the Leafs. I audibly laughed when I read it. The first non-starter is that he’s not going to clear waivers. The second non-starter is that he’s not better than Justin Holl and there’s no reason to kick off Dermott or Bogosian from the third pair into the void (there’s no money to make them a scratch and no way they’re still here after waivers). Yes, I know his minutes per game, but take into account his numbers away from star defensemen is horrible. The Leafs already have Justin Holl, what’s the point in spending assets for one that’s probably worse.

When it comes to defensive depth, the Leafs have Rasmus Sandin, Martin Marincin, Calle Rosen, and Timothy Liljegren. If they can find another guy in that range that can be placed on a non-active roster, then sure bring them aboard. But unless it’s a meaningful addition (Ekholm, Savard, etc), it’s absolutely not worth it.

Various Leafs and Branches

Toronto Maple Leafs and the trade deadline: don’t expect much | by: Seldo

European Report: Playoffs come to Sweden | by: Katya

The Leafs hit some bad luck as Carey Price is out with an injury. Jake Allen will get the start against the Leafs with Cayden Primeau the backup.

The PHWA have 100 people voting on the NHL Awards, only seven are women. 10% of the PHWA is composed of women, meaning there’s 30% fewer women being given a ballot than their proportion in the Association would assume. I would go look at more of the numbers and inequity laid out by Taylor Baird of SBN sister site Defending Big D. Frank Seravalli, of course, disputes the inequity and gatekeeping that is clearly there. As always, avoiding numbers whenever possible just like the Awards ballots.

Minnesota Wild prospect Marco Rossi has been suffering from COVID since the World Juniors. He is only now being allowed light training as he tries to recoup his strength.

From The Branches