In case you missed it yesterday:

The Marlies play today in Cleveland and then are off until next weekend, so this is going to be a one-game stint with some practice time unless the Leafs ask for an extension of two games when the first six days of the stint are up.

With Matt Benning on the team now, they have 23 players healthy and under the cap. To recall anyone from LTIR, they need to move someone off the roster. This reality has brought about some reports (Darren Dreger and Elliotte Friedman) that the Leafs intend to trade Benning at some point. That is, of course, not the only way to make roster space.

They have the option of waiving Phil Myers, who has appeared in one game, and using that spot for Jani Hakanpää. Also waiting in the wings on defence is Dakota Mermis, who had jaw surgery in late September and will return at some point in the near future. He will likely go to the AHL for a time as well.

The more difficult question is space at forward and that applies even more to Calle Järnkrok – condition unknown – as it does to Connor Dewar. The options there are limited.

It looks like trades plural are in the offing – a strange place to be in November – but maybe not right away. There is no specific requirement to activate a player off of LTIR after a conditioning stint is over and waivers will likely come first for whoever is lowest on the depth chart.

In other news:

Avalanche’s Stienburg suspended 2 games | NHL.com
Forward disciplined for charging in Wednesday’s game against Tampa Bay
NHL logoNHL Public Relations

This bizarre lawsuit is quite the story. The case seems to be all about how he handled the typical situation where he couldn't get a deal and either had to accept his Qualifying Offer or become a free agent. This was before he was arrested and charged with sexual assault.

Formenton files $20.5 million lawsuit against Newport Sports, agent Wade Arnott | TSN
One-time Ottawa Senators forward, who is facing a sexual assault charge in London, Ont., has filed a lawsuit against his former agent, Rick Westhead writes.
TSNRick Westhead

I read the following mostly to enjoy the total confidence and absolute certainty with which a team that is 12 games in can be said to be doomed. I don't think they're very good, but I don't think they are defensively hopeless as their early results show either. Not after last year's near miss of the playoffs.

Friday Four: Not even Sidney Crosby can save these Penguins
In this week’s Friday Four, Michael Amato takes a look at why the Penguins are doomed to mediocrity and other hot-button topics around the NHL.
Sportsnet| November 1, 2024, 9:17 AM

Certainty sells. No one goes to a fortune teller to hear what might happen, and besides, if you're wrong, no one remembers.

Preview later, and that's it for now.

From The Branches