Sunday FTB: Marner and Mikko

Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!

The new guys played their first game as Maple Leafs last night and boy was that not great.

Recap: Colorado comes back late to beat the Leafs

Not a defensive masterclass, but the new defenceman settled in well.

PPP LeafsCathy Squires

The big story though was that before sending Mikko Rantanen to Dallas, they approached the Maple Leafs with one player in mind: Mitch Marner.

As we heard all day yesterday, the Leafs did their duty and asked Marner if he wanted to waive his clause and go get some BBQ before free agency, and Marner said no.

The latest chapter in the Mitch Marner contract saga: Marner reportedly declined a trade to Carolina

First off, it sucks to be writing about this topic right now. The Leafs just completed what I would consider a solid trade deadline, notably improving their roster. Are they a perfect team? Of course not, but they are better today than they were on Thursday and have a real chance to embark on a […]

Maple Leafs HotstoveAnthony Petrielli

So, what this mean going forward? It could be that the Leafs aren't sure about resigning Marner. Maybe Marners asking price is too high, and they wanted to stick with the rumoured $13.5M offer that was sent to Rantanen.

It's never fun to have one of your best players ever unsigned and headed to free agency after the deadline.

Am I worried that approaching Marner with a request to waive will tamper his enthusiasm about re-signing? No.

Am I worried that him seeing what the offer Rantanen was and thinking that's a low-ball? Yes.

Would I want the Leafs to pay anyone more than that? Not really.

Hopefully this can turn out better than Mats Sundins turning down a trade without an extension in place.

Now, some other stuff.

Brayden Schenn didn't want to be a Leaf. That's fine. It's fine. I don't take it personally.

Brayden Schenn Reveals the Truth Behind Why He Blocked a Trade to the Maple Leafs

St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn reportedly blocked a trade to the Maple Leafs ahead of Friday’s trade deadline, but has since revealed why he did it.

H&L Media IncMike Armenti

This guy? He loves being here.

‘My Dad Being Able To Drive To Games, That’s A Cool Feeling’: Scott Laughton Speaks On Trade Ahead From Flyers Ahead Of Maple Leafs Debut

Scott Laughton will play center alongside Bobby McMann and Max Domi when he makes his Toronto Maple Leafs debut on Saturday against the Colorado Avalanche.

Yahoo SportsDavid Alter

Dang. No one likes the Oilers, eh?

‘Loser’: Harsh verdict from NHL commentators on Edmonton Oilers at trade deadline

‘Loser’: Harsh verdict from NHL commentators on Edmonton Oilers at trade deadline

Edmonton JournalDavid Staples

An interesting headline. A paywalled article.

The future of bodychecking: What PWHL’s success means for girls’ hockey

Bodychecking exists at highest level of women’s hockey but nowhere else in Canada. Will we follow Sweden’s lead and encourage more contact with kids?

Toronto StarKerry Gillespie, Dave Feschuk

PWHL takeover is in Detroit today, but the Sceptres are at home so we all know which is the more important game.

Hockey fans invited to PWHL game, free practice in Detroit

The PWHL is hitting the ice at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, March 16. Fans are invited to watch the New York Sirens and Minnesota Frost face off.

CTVNewsKate Otterbein

Nick Lardis is having an amazing season in Brantford, and is climbing the single season goal standings, soon to pass the Great Once.

Patrick Thomas, Nick Lardis hit milestone marks in Brantford Bulldogs win

Patrick Thomas set the Bulldogs franchise record for career points and Nick Lardis hit 70 goals in 11-3 win against Saginaw.

Brantford ExpositorBrian Smiley

Ugh, fine. I guess.

Dale Hunter becomes fastest OHL coach to reach 1,000 career wins

As the final horn sounded, the London Knights players made a mad dash to the bench to congratulate their head coach on a career milestone.

CTVNewsBrent Lale

A Syracuse Crunch player is sitting for ten games for something he should know better than to say.

Hockey star slapped with 10-game ban for racially abusing opponent

He can appeal the remainder of his suspension after eight games if he takes part in the NHL’s Player Inclusion Coalition and makes what is deemed as sufficient progress in the program.

Daily MailBen Nagle

Finally, congratulations to the newest members of the Glace Bay Minor Hockey Wall of Fame!

Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association welcomes three new inductees into its wall of fame | Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association

Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association. Teams, Players, Statistics, Schedules, Game Results and More.

Glace Bay Minor Hockey AssociationGrayJay Web Solutions

Enjoy your day everyone!