In shocking news, and after more than a month off, there was a trade in the NHL.

Okay, they are both AHL level players, but they're on NHL contracts, so it counts.

In other news... there was no news.

But there is this sort of thing:

Can Matias Maccelli be a first-line player for the Maple Leafs?
No single player will replace Mitch Marner on the Maple Leafs, but who will replace him on Auston Matthews’ wing? Matias Maccelli could earn a look and Adam Vingan writes why he could be their best option.
Sportsnet.caAdam Vingan

And a wrap of of the recent coaches and GM meetings:

NHL GMs say time will tell if new CBA rules will restrict trade in 2025-26
It’s a new salary cap world, and NHL general managers will learn how to live in it.
Sportsnet.caEric Engels

I love it when teams do their own speculative reporting:

Minnesota Wild owner sees Kirill Kaprizov extension as ‘likely the biggest in the NHL ever’ | TSN
Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold believes an extension with Kirill Kaprizov is close and he’s prepared to break the bank to keep the star winger in St. Paul.
TSNTSN.ca Staff
Dell retires from professional hockey, played 7 seasons in NHL | NHL.com
36-year-old goalie was signed by Sharks as undrafted free agent
NHL logoNHLdotcom

Good overview of Scott Laughton on their podcast:

Dennis Hildeby has golden opportunity to become NHL regular
Dennis Hildeby was <a href=“https://theleafsnation.com/news/toronto-ma…
TheLeafsNationJeremy Tingly

Or just get to it:

Guelph Storm & Kitchener Rangers named finalists to host the 2027 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota Canada - Western Hockey League
The Canadian Hockey League has selected its two finalists for the 2027 Memorial Cup site
Western Hockey LeagueMatthew DeMille
‘Great opportunity’: OHL and USHL looking at Niagara Falls for a potential expansion franchise
Major Junior League Hockey could be coming to Niagara Falls within the next few years. Both the OHL and USHL confirmed to 7 News that the city is on both of their radars for expansion.
WKBW 7 News BuffaloBy: Derek Heid

The T25 sixth man is up today, setting us up for the top five next week.

Have a good Friday, everyone.

From The Branches