I admit that I haven’t paying the closest of attention to what the health authorities are currently recommending for the city of Toronto – I’ve pretty much just taken “wear a mask” and “stay at least a hockey stick away from people at all times” and declared them the immutable central tenants of my entire existence – so I may have missed the announcement of an exception to social distancing based on proximity to a buoyant object.

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Brought my lucky hat

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Guess we now have some insight into the makeup of one of the stage one practice groups. Or, maybe just a group that’s going to receive a lecture from the medical staff, could go either way really.

ICYMI

Top 25 Under 25: Toronto’s own 4th-round pick debuts at 23
We continue counting up our top 25 under 25 with another pick!

From the Branches

Weighing pros, cons for each potential Canadian NHL hub city
Unsurprisingly, following Trudeau’s statement that Canada is open to hosting an NHL hub city, there’s even more talk about whether or not it’ll be Toronto (it’ll be Toronto) or if one of the eastern cities will make the cut (they won’t, it’ll be Toronto).

How mindfulness training quietly gives elite athletes an edge
Zach Hyman weighs in alongside other athletes on the benefits of practices such as meditation.

NHL Seattle arena reopening, team name reveal delayed
Big news for fans of mystery and endless circular arguments over names: NHL Seattle will be remaining NHL Seattle for a bit longer.

No full shields for players; NHL talking off-ice protection
Whatever other safety measures the NHL might be taking for players in the middle of a pandemic, full face shields on the ice will not be a part of them.

Sabres Make Additional Front Office Cuts
In case you missed the headlines earlier this week, the Buffalo Sabres are apparently taking cleaning house very, very seriously and, as reported by Elliotte Friedman on the 31 Thoughts podcast, they’re not done yet.

The WHL has announced a return-to-play protocol.

And finally, I leave you with this adventure of a headline: