From The Branches

So Stamkos might be on the market (maybe) and Schenn has yet to be re-signed. Other than that, not much going on in the hockey world as we find ourselves in the equivalent of the horse latitudes of the hockey year. Seen any good movies lately? If so, head on

Here are your Sunday links: Summertime memories: Remembering Armstrong's Cup clincher in '67 VLM with a trip down memory lane Bozie, Ziggy, and Lashes re-up Leafs HQ has a quick bit on each of the three players The identity of the Jets and their legacy Arctic Ice

And thus begins the long summer lull between free agency and the opening of rookie camp in mid-September.  One cool tidbit gleaned from the Copper & Blue's 2009 Draft story on forward equivalencies: Finally, Nazem Kadri had the best AHL season of anyone from this draft class, and

It's a Lazy Friday. Here be your links. Leafs Ink Lashoff For One Year Surprisingly it's not to a record deal. Burkes Says Leafs Set for 2011-12 So are we re-signing Schenn or what? Just How Strong is the Maple Leafs' Forward Corp Lukas Hardonk

Well basically, he's a better Tim Brent. Now, some people have already argued the contrary based on faceoff %s (Dupuis - 46.2%, Brent - 52%) among other things. Now I could delve into Corsi ratings, QCOMPs, and more advanced stats, but looking over their numbers I found

It worked for Clarke MacArthur yesterday so why not for Luke Schenn today. Schenn is the last Leafs RFA (not named Matt Lashoff) in need of a new contract, and with Burke's track record since joining the Leafs when it comes to RFAs we have all the reason

We're closing in on the deadline for RFA's to apply for arbitration, but there's always a few days' between the filing date, and when the hearing actually takes place. Brian Burke doesn't seem too worried about it, anyway: "We are

Your links after the jump. Burke Restoring Pride in Toronto ITB&WB really really likes what Burke has been doing lately. Maple Leafs + Tim Connolly = Stopgap PPP over at Leafs Nation speaks the truth about Connolly. Brian Burke is a Wizard LeafsHQ likes the trade. Doug Gilmour's

Share links to whatever you're reading. Here are some to get you started! Vintage Leafs: King Clancy: All Time Great Lots of great updates including this card of one of Toronto's early heroes. Brad Richards' 'Decision' is New York - Blueshirt Banter Big

At some point later today, we should know how much money Brad Richards will be making as a New York Ranger. Good on the Leafs for staying out of their "draft" this summer. Saturday links: Leafs lose Giguere and Brent The G&M updates on free agency

T-minus 3 hours until free agency opens.  Throw links in if you have them.  Oh, and pray for no more defensemen or overpaid 3rd liners.

Like other days this week, there are lots of small moves being made to prepare for the big show on Friday. In this morning's FTB we've got news on Jagr, Erhoff, Varlamov, Dupuis, and Ian White, among several others. Naturally, we're more interested in

Yesterday's big news was that three players with Maple Leafs' connections were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Ed Belfour, Joe Nieuwendyk, and especially Doug Gilmour had short but impactful stopovers in Toronto. They all may have won their Stanley Cups elsewhere but they all played big

There are all kinds of little tidbits of news trickling in this week. Minor trades are being made, Jaromir Jagr looks to be on the verge of deciding which team he'll return to, Kirk Muller has a new home, Bieksa's been re-signed, and there's

This morning, we've got a smattering of everything from all the usual suspects. Thoughts on the Mike Richards trade that could have been, more on the draft, the NHL's involvement in the coming Winter Olympics, some thoughts on John-Michael Liles, not to mention some pretty funny

Overall, I'd give Burke about a C+ for his work at the draft. Things started out well, as he made an excellent trade to shore up our blueline, and hopefully keep Lebda-time to a minimum next year. In my eyes, the remainder of the first day was a

I had an entire post written about the Leafs two picks last night, but decided to scrap it as it became ridiculously long-winded. The Leafs made two very safe selections last night, but also two of the first rounders with the least long-term potential. Nearly every scouting report that I

There is little doubt that Brian Burke is seething. On the eve of the NHL Entry Draft, after proclaiming that he was open for business with his top three draft picks, Paul Holmgren decided that he was going to give Mr. Wheel and Deal a lesson in taking over the

I have to say that I'm probably less interested in either of these things than a lot of people. To be honest, watching any awards show is boring, and watching a bunch of NHL players, long known for being some of the most boring people to interview, make

Well the NHL Awards are tonight, like anyone's going to be watching, but I figure we should at least acknowledge them. So here are the unofficial Pension Plan Puppets Picks: Hart: Corey Perry Vezina: Tim Thomas Norris: Zdeno Chara Calder: Jeff Skinner Lady Byng: Nicklas Lidstrom Selke: Jonathan

Ok, those were likely not the words used by Brian Burke when he contacted Keith Acton and Tim Hunter to let them know that they had been relieved of their coaching duties with the Leafs.  But Burke does seem to have a bit of Donald Trump-esque flair in him.  It

With yesterday being Father's Day and all, not much happened nor was written about in the hockey world, lest of all about the Leafs. But we do have two Leafs links for you this morning. James Reimer May Just Top List of All-Time Likeable Leafs When James Reimer’

No news to report today as the Leafs' front office continues to amp up for draft.  Sunday links below... How could I lose all those autographs? VLM on misplacing some prize possessions Jagr eyeing NHL return NY Times reports. God I hope the Habs get him Hundreds of thousands

Inhale.....Exhale......repeat.  The next few weeks have the potential to be a highly stressful time for fans of the blue and white.  Brian Burke & Co. are expected to be extremely busy as they build towards next Friday's NHL Entry Draft and the start of Free Agency

I had something written here, but decided it'd be better off as its own piece so look for it later in the day. Here be your links. Try not to riot you heathens. What the Leafs Need Most: 2011 Offseason Blue Chip Prospects weighs in on what the