We're at the half way mark of the preseason this morning, with the Habs visiting Toronto tonight after the Leafs pasted them 7-2 on Thursday in Montreal. The team is prepped and we'll have our combined preview and GDT out early afternoon. I expect there will be more roster cuts after this game. In the meantime, here are some updates.

Pre-season injuries strike the Leafs again.

There's some news on the Anthony Stolarz contract situation.

Stolarz ready for heavy workload as Leafs deal with crease uncertainty
After a strong season first year with the Toronto Maple Leafs, veteran goaltender Anthony Stolarz is ready for a heavier workload this season with hopes of staying healthy, Mark Masters writes.
TSNMark Masters

The Leafs draft picks that have returned to junior have started playing. Last night third round pick Tyler Hopkins had a two goal night, with an assist on another putting him at three points in two games.

Other News

I spy an ex-Leaf on this list.

This sounds painful.

Benn to miss start of season for Stars with collapsed lung | NHL.com
Forward to have surgery, will be reevaluated in 4 weeks
NHL logoNHLdotcom

This sounds very painful.

Barkov out 7-9 months for Panthers following ACL, MCL surgery | NHL.com
Captain will likely miss at least regular season after sustaining injury in training camp drill
NHL logoNHLdotcom

Big Z is still going to be around in Boston.

Former captain Chara joins Bruins’ front office
Former Bruins captain Zdeno Chara has been named the organization’s hockey operations advisor and mentor, the team announced Thursday.
ESPNRyan S. Clark

Kaplan is the now the ESPN Friedman

ESPN Reimagines Emily Kaplan’s NHL TV Role
Emily Kaplan will migrate from the sidelines of ESPN’s NHL games to become a studio insider on the league.
Front Office SportsRyan Glasspiegel

A reminder there is no subway service on Yonge north of Eglinton station this entire weekend, and the Bloor-Danforth subway will terminate eastbound at Warden, with shuttle buses to and from Kennedy. There is also no Lakeshore West GO Transit service east of Oakville. Clarkson, Port Credit, Mimico, and Long Branch stations will have no service at all. Exhibition station will have service only as a temporary extension of the Lakeshore East line.

Weekend service changes
TTC

Enjoy your Saturday. Ten days to go to the regular season!

From The Branches