From The Branches

* The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing Draft Pick: A novella in three parts, written by Maple Leaf Hot Stove , Toronto Sports Media and mf37. * Moving on from hideous injustice, TSM takes a look at the months and years ahead and the implications for the roster. * Recently departed, dearly missed -

How you like? I say, how you like? Not so much, huh? * Awful, dreadful, horrid and inspid news from the Bloc. Read at your own risk. * More on the NCAA signings explosion over at the Bitter Leaf fan Page, written up by mf37. * TSM reports that noted explosion-phile Jerry Bruckheimer

Geez, I don't know...maybe we could put White in goal? * To hell with Zednik, TSM gives you your Masterson winner this year: Ian White. Also, it's not just Wilson that has to put up with stupid questions. * Featuring the only the one man I wanted

Look at him being rough there. I should break it up, but he's just so hot right now. I love being a linesman... * To prospects news first - Viktor Stålberg continues his points rip in the Frozen Four while Toronto Sports Media speculates on the future destination of

Nay, old man. I have not seen your franchise goalie around here. * Dr Steve lauds the Poni and reassures on the draft. * Eyebleaf picks over the bones of another carcass of a game. * Marlies lose. Blame Pogge! * Actually, blame Jared - if this is anything to go by anyway. * Just

* Early springtime is the best time of year for sightings of a Mittenstringer - share the binoculars with Cox Bloc. * Steve looks at the best thing to come back from Switzerland since Toblerone: Jay Harrison and also at the latest exploits of Viktor Stålberg. * Thinking about free agency already is

Meanwhile, back at the Kremlin... * Steve brings his analysis to bear on Ian White, MVP(!?!). * Toronto Sports Media covers Wilson's relationship with the...eh, Toronto Sports Media. * Down Goes Brown was at Chapters at midnight to get the first copy of Leafs Abomination - it's easier

* The Doctor is in: Steve has more reasons as to why only 9 games remain for the Blue and White this year and also why it's all looking a bit rum for the Marlies. * Toronto Sports Media transcribes BB's adventures on the wireless and speculates if

"When are WE going to get a mental goalie, Dad?" Right - hold the fort, chaps - I've had a great idea. It seems obvious to me that the league needs to play another half a season this year - about forty more games, I reckon.

You're the best! No, YOU'RE the best! * Toronto Sports Media lays out the red carpet for AO in TO this evening. * Never knowingly not trying to stir up trouble, Down Goes Brown has suggestions for the next celebration du jour. * The Leaf questions for the day,

OR - If we can't play, then we're taking our puck with us and no-one else can play either. Hey you. Yes, you over there, with the acne and the glasses. Put down that copy of Poe, finish your creme de menthe and come sit over

I ain't afraid of no embarrassingly long goal horn Some mornings are just beautiful, no? Even more so than the night before. Ah, who am I kidding - what could be more beautiful than that? * Dr Steve can smell burning - do we actually have a line on

* Toronto Sports Media takes a look into the not so distant past. * Hey, the Marlies suck at the shootout just as badly as their big brothers! * On the subject of the Marlies, Andre 'Oh no' Deveaux got sent back down again. * Norman James and Eyebleaf both take a

Today we're light on laughs and heavy on links. Well, heavier on links than laughs anyway. So just like most days! My apologies - it's been a helluva morning on the National Affairs desk today...but Portugal in the early Spring? Well yes, that sounds lovely.

* Potential trouble in paradise with Cujo again? Toronto Sports Media brings you all the bestest news. mf37 has some thoughts on the matter too. * Over at the BoO, The Muppet takes a look at the man filling that Moore shaped hole in the roster. * General Borschevsky is going to stat

BURLINGTON, VT - Socially conscious dairy confection manufacturer Ben & Jerry's has today annouced they will be introducing a new flavour for the summer, honouring potty-mouthed Leaf favourite, John Mitchell. The new flavour, to be named 'F___ing Strawberry Shootout Sniper'', will feature real strawberry

You know who I don't trust? Apart from the French and circus folk, obviously. Linesmen. Like a dentist, a linesman is inherently bogus. Hither and tither they skate, looking for their violations involving the centre and blue lines – using such arcane language as 'icing' or '

"One, two! One, two! and through and through The vorpal blade went snicker-snack! He left it dead, and with its head He went galumphing back." Tremble, all ye pineapples. Look upon your works and despair. The time of reckoning is nigh. I predict an extreme proliferation of bromance

* Dr Steve rails against the forces of impatience * Maple Leaf Hot Stove: Keeping the link hounds of the Barlikosphere in a job. Today, it's a look at the entry draft, the superstars in the making and the possibility of more acquisitions come the summer. * Treading a now familiar

I'm bringing Matty Black Them other boys don’t know how to act. I think you're special, what's behind your back? So turn around and I'll pick up the slack. Justin Timberlake quotes? In my PPP? Yeah, right, well. Many thanks to

It's tough times out there all over, so it's with a heavy heart that I stand here before you today to say that Mattblack has been canned. His FTB writing was almost average on some days, but I liked the one-legged little guy anyways. He fought

He say you under arrest, Mr Stempniak. He say you blade runner. It is delicious elbow. You must eat. Om nom nom. * Down Goes Brown and the Marquess of Queensbury - a fitting combination if even I saw one. * If the entertainment ain't taking place out there on

ATTN: Dear Sir/M, I am Mr. Jason Spezza, an Auditor of a BANK OF THE SCOTIA, NIGERIA DIVISION (FCT). I have the courage to Crave indulgence for this important business believing that you will never let me down either now or in the future. Some years ago, an American

16 games left on Gerber-Watch '09. 109 days until the draft. Only two more chances for the dirty Habitants to further deplete our roster without any sort of disciplinary comeback. Yes, couldn't think of a riff today. Sorry. And apparently, I now have an hour less to

Big news, everyone. I've been privy to some very sensitive information, which I will now share with you. I have in my hand a piece of paper, slipped under the door of my flat in the dead of night, which details the Leafs defensive partnerships for Monday nights