From The Branches

Ah, August. The slowest period of the offseason - teams are starting to line up, players and executives are taking their vacation, and prospect camps haven't opened yet. Here are a few links to get you through the day: Vintage Leaf Memories - Carl Brewer: the Jake Gardiner-like

...and for the subsequent cap-clearing trade to be made.

Linkages Can the Leafs Afford a Lame Duck Kessel this Season? I doubt it. If the season goes south, I think Kessel will too. An Interview with Leafs Assistant Coach Scott Gordon Yes, it's full of more stupid comments as if you even needed to ask that question.

You know what time it is.

Mark Fraser's arbitration hearing is set for tomorrow. Reports are that the Leafs are looking to sign him for around $800k, and that his camp wasn't upwards of $2M per season over an unspecified term. This begs the question; why was Mark Fraser given a qualifying

In the - uh, rush - of last week, we never really took a second to talk about the Leafs' schedule this year. As always, Dirk Hoag's Super Schedule is helpful - the Leafs tie for the 11th most back-to-backs (at 16) and travel the 8th fewest

That's right kids, the Godfather himself is turning another year older. How old? 30 whole years old. Like really really old. So give PPP a big heartfelt happy birthday in the comments, on twitter, wherever. Links What the Nonis Extension Likely Means about Leiweke's Influence It&

Embracing Numbers - Or Why I Learned to Watch the Game AND Use Statistics Read this article as it makes some very good points like the ones below: I'm warning people about confusing what is and what should be. Despite your system and your focus, not only is

If you've got links to your thoughts on the Carl Gunnarsson signing, toss 'em in the comments.

Well ain't dick all happening in the world of hockey right now except Team Canada rosterbation which is totally yawnnnnnnn. But that doesn't mean we don't have links for you. Know a Writer: Jesse Spector He's a darling. Maple Leafs in Waiting

Last night on Twitter Dave Bolland was somehow brought up in conversation and some Hawks fans joined in with their take on Bolland and the picture both they and the stats painted wasn't very nice. Here are some highlights: @SkinnyPPPhish @felixpotvin @fearthefin Kane dragged his dead ass up

Because PPP forgot to do his homework.

Last week I gave you all the opportunity to vote on who you felt were the all-time best and worst Maple Leafs. Despite the fact that many of you can't follow simple directions, I was able to tally up your votes and determine the two rosters. Without further

Linkages. All of the Maple Leafs 2013 Playoff Goals Purdy sweet. Carlyle's Effect on Bozak's Possession Numbers The coach's favorite player. Joy. Know a Writer It's James Mirtle Ya'll. The Morgan Rielly Conundrum Send him back to the WHL.

Not much to say - maybe something will happen?

In case you were living under a rock last night, you missed out on two amazing things. First, Ilya Kovalchuk "retired" from the NHL just 3 years into his lockout causing contract so he could go back to Ru$$ia to be with his family. If you look

Humpday Links Not Advanced Stats - Grabovski is Still Better Even when you dumb it down to the plebs. Marlies: Who's Left? Not a lot of guys. Jim Hughes Interview He's the Director of Player Development don't cha know. The Steve Dangle Podcast -

The HHOF has a number of players - and a coach - who merit a lot of consideration.

So as feared, Dave Nonis has blown his cash wad on UFAs and Jonathan Bernier's unnecessary contract and now finds himself with 5 RFAs to sign and only $10,320,0833 in capspace to do it. Ask yourself this question: Who's more important to this team;

While trying to figure out what the Leafs' roster looks like right now, I thought I'd ask the tough question: Did Dave Nonis out-GM a potato?

I can't be the only one to have missed the news that the Marlies hired a new coach.

*Cue Yakety Sax

There's a bit of everything going on.

Jump for links and chatter. Oh, and HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Weekend links and notes - drop any confirmed trades in the comments, and get ready for a whole slew of twitter rumors, fake and otherwise.