Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!

I tell you, I have had a week. Not to bore or gross you out with details but I had a sewer backup into my basement then had to drive to Ottawa and back in one day. Not sure which was more disgusting.

However, we had some Leafs games to cheer us up. Kinda. A weird win over the Devils on Tuesday night and then another tight one against the Ducks that saw Anthony Stolarz leave the game early.

Leafs squeak out a win against the Ducks
They played a solid third period, and were not the low-event wonders they have been, but they weren’t scoring on a lot of good chances.
PPP LeafsCathy Squires

Just what we wanted for Christmas. More injuries!

So, what do we do with injuries? Move players around!

Who's out?

Marshall Rifai and Alex Nylander were returned to the Marlies yesterday, Nylander cleared waivers to do so.

Dakota Mermis is off to Utah instead of the Marlies, after he was claimed on waivers.

Coming up is Nikita Grebenkin! We knew he wouldn't be gone long.

And Jake McCabe came back from IR!

And maybe more to come?

No, none of them are goalies, but we don't know if Stolarz will be away or if it was precautionary right now.

So, that's the moves, or will they move that Mitch Marner?

Thank goodness he hasn't signed an extension yet or what would we hyperfocus on?

Speaking of focusing, here's a focus on a prospect!

Maple Leafs Prospect Report: Sam McCue
McCue is leading a below-average team in many offensive categories and has some intriguing finishing ability combined with effort and grit, but does he have the supporting skills to give him a shot at an NHL future?
PPP LeafsBrian S

That segue was a reach.

Speaking of reaching, a trip to Vancouver reached a new height in enjoyment when a player's mother won the 50/50 jackpot!

Teddy Blueger’s mother has profitable trip to Canada after winning Canucks’ 50/50 draw
Canucks centre Teddy Blueger’s mom, Jana, came from Latvia for a family reunion in Vancouver and won the 50/50 draw at Tuesday’s game at Rogers Arena.
Sportsnet.caIain MacIntyre

Anson Carter spoke about trying to become a Leaf and past rules about home grown players.

Toronto Maple Leafs allegedly blacklisted key player signings, per insider
It’s a good thing that the Leafs shifted their vision from how they used to do business.
YardbarkerChris Gerics

They may be gone, but the legacy lives on.

Arizona Coyotes’ Impact on Hockey in the Desert - The Hockey Writers Arizona Coyotes Latest News, Analysis & More
While the Arizona Coyotes may no longer exist, the franchise’s lasting impact has left its footprint on Arizona’s hockey community.
The Hockey WritersParker Beh

Jumbo Joe is back as Canada's GM for the beloved (by me) Spengler Cup!

Joe Thornton returning as co-GM for Canada’s Spengler Cup team
Joe Thornton and Brad Pascall are back as co-general managers for Team Canada at the Spengler Cup.
Sportsnet.caCanadian Press

Fiji is ready to hit the ice!

Fiji Hockey sets sights on next task
Fiji Broadcasting CorporationMeli Laddpeter Multimedia Sports Journalist [email protected]

Nope, that's grass. Wrong hockey.

Finally, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Quebec City are ready for the PWHL to come to town.

Ranking Ticket Sales For The PWHL’s Takeover Tour
Vancouver, Edmonton, and Quebec City are leaps and bounds ahead of their American counterparts in PWHL Takeover Tour ticket sales. In the USA, Seattle and Denver lead the way, while Buffalo and Raleigh aren’t showing the same level of interest.
Yahoo SportsIan Kennedy

Enjoy your day everyone! We know the Habs won't (top right) which makes it even better.

From The Branches