Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans and others who stumbled upon here because they are very excited for the start of the 2021-22 NHL season!

There’s lots to get excited about - and wary about, these are the Maple Leafs after wall - so let’s get right into the news.

Some housekeeping first:

These are the guys who will be on the ice tomorrow.

Maple Leafs opening day roster is set

This is a guy who won’t.

UPDATE: Auston Matthews will miss the Maple Leafs home opener

This guy will never be.

Update: Adam Brooks claimed by the Habs!

These guys might, someday.

Update: both Biega and Gabriel clear waivers

So, no Brooks, no Matthews, for opening night. Hey, we still have Tavares, Marner, Nylander, Rielly, Muzzin....

It’s fine. I’m sure it’s fine.

Hey, it was Jack Campbell’s Kitty’s birthday.

The American Hockey League introduced their officials for this season, and ten women made the cut.

Women set to officiate AHL games for first time

Speaking of the start of the season, tonight features the first (real) game in Seattle Kraken history! The schedule for tonight is:

7:30PM - Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning
10:00PM -  Seattle Kraken at Vegas Golden Knights

The bad news for the Kraken:

Those players:

Jared McCann, Joonas Donskoi, Marcus Johansson, Jamie Oleksiak, and Calle Jarnkrok.

The New York Rangers are going captainless for another season. they haven’t had a captain since Ryan McDonagh left in 2018.

New York Rangers Announce Six Alternate Captains for Upcoming Season

You wanna get real sad, or glad depending on your perspective:

Buffalo Sabres Announce Season-Opening Roster

The Lightning brought back their coach, which is mostly based on past results. What has he done for them lately?

Tampa Bay Lightning sign Jon Cooper to contract extension

Alright folks, have a good one. We are 36 hours (ish) away from Maple Leafs hockey!

From The Branches