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# Friday FTB: Halfway through August
- URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/friday-ftb-halfway-through-august/
- Published: 2025-08-15T10:00:47.000Z
- Updated: 2025-08-15T10:00:50.000Z
- Description: Say it ain't so.
- Author: Hardev
- Tags: From The Branches

Keith Kinkaid is hoping to keep playing at a high level as long as he can. “Any opportunity is fine with me.” Kinkaid spent last season in the ECHL and the year before in the AHL. Would be happy to have him around on the Marlies! 

[Kinkaid has ‘gas left in the tank,’ hopes for NHL return after 3ICE success | NHL.com36-year-old goalie led Devils to playoffs in 2018, played in ECHL last season![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/icon/favicon-apple-touch-icon-109.png)NHL logoGeorge Richards![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/otljqfwh7ugsaupmgoeo.jpg)](https://www.nhl.com/news/keith-kinkaid-eyes-nhl-return-after-strong-3ice-showing?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

It is true Auston Matthews has a lot to prove next year, coming off his worst season and replacing his running mate with a guy who looks like an egg and doesn't know how to shoot the puck. 

[Five NHL Centers With The Most To Prove In 2025-26What makes sports, and hockey specifically, unique and intriguing are storylines. In the NHL, it’s the off-ice drama, milestone-chasing and pursuit of the Stanley Cup.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/icon/thehockeynews.com-2Ffavicon.png)The Hockey NewsJulian Gaudio![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/808f2e0f-cfc4-421c-b886-bf53f4e56261.webp)](https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/five-nhl-centers-with-the-most-to-prove-in-2025-26?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

Utah's first round pick, Caleb Desnoyers, is having surgery and will be out to start the season. It's unclear to me whether he will start in the NHL or get sent down. 

[Desnoyers, Mammoth 2025 1st-round pick, to miss start of season after wrist surgery | NHL.comNo. 4 selection expected to be out 12 weeks![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/icon/favicon-apple-touch-icon-110.png)NHL logoNHLdotcom![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/a0uo8002gzncdkwe97ob.jpg)](https://www.nhl.com/news/caleb-desnoyers-to-miss-start-of-2025-2026-season?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

Dion Phaneuf will join Auston Matthews at the Hockey Night in Brampton fundraising event. Other former Leafs include Cujo, Mark Giordano, Darryl Sittler, and Wendel Clark.

[Former Maple Leafs Captain Dion Phaneuf added to Hockey Night in Brampton roster | inBramptonDion Phaneuf, former captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, has been added to the all-star roster for next week’s Hockey Night in Brampton charity game.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/icon/favicon-10.png)INsauga | Ontario Local News NetworkRyan Rumbolt![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/01/3401a938-f468-4c02-a227-9bc4cc09bad4/content/images/thumbnail/Dion-Phaneuf-scaled.jpg)](https://www.insauga.com/former-maple-leafs-captain-dion-phaneuf-added-to-hockey-night-in-brampton-roster/?ref=pensionplanpuppets.com)

It's still weird that Dennis Hildeby isn't signed yet, right?