Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!

When I get around to making an FTB - which has been less and less lately - I sometimes theme them to the day.

Wednesdays can be "Where'd they go Wednesday?", and another special one is trade anniversary dates.

I picked today to do a trade anniversary post and I checked my database - yes I made my own searchable database of Leafs trades - and the Maple Leafs have never made a trade on January 8th.

That's one of those neat facts that I love, like how the Maple Leafs have never drafted a player from the OHLs Barrie Colts.

No trades from today, unless Treliving has a little something up his sleeve....

We are one month out from the Winter Olympics and it looks like Milan is admitting the hockey rink may not be ready.

Ice Hockey Arena Delays Raise Concerns Ahead of Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics begin in Milan-Cortina; organizers are racing against the clock to finish the new ice hockey arena
PA | Architecture & TechnologyIsha Chaudhary

"International Ice Hockey Federation president Luc Tardif told reporters that while parts of the main arena may not be finished on time, the playing surface, practice facilities, and team dressing rooms will be ready for action when the puck drops. He stressed confidence that spectators and teams will be able to use the facility, even if some seating and finishing touches lag behind."

Shades of the Big O in Montreal...

With two months to go before the trade deadline and with a chunk of the cap opening with Chris Tanev likely done for the season, the rumour mill is doing overtime.

Brayden Schenn should become a Toronto Maple Leaf soon
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been playing better hockey as of late, winning five of their last seven games. As the Trade Deadline approaches in two months, play
Editor In LeafNicholas Giannone
New report may have already hurt Maple Leafs’ chances at landing Dougie Hamilton
A new report from NHL insider David Pagnotta shows that perhaps the Maple Leafs may already be out on Dougie Hamilton as they continue to try and look to improve.
Hockey PatrolCharlie McAfee
Real Kyper’s NHL Buzz: What some teams are weighing ahead of trade deadline
Sportsnet.caNick Kypreos

The Utah Mammoth are hosting the 2027 Winter Classic.

Utah Mammoth to host 2027 Winter Classic
The Winter Classic is headed to the Beehive State in 2027 — a massive victory for a Utah Mammoth franchise in its second NHL season.
Sportsnet.caElliotte Friedman

In a beehive?

I think that's one word I would never use for the London Knights.

GM Mark Hunter details Knights’ path after huge trade: ‘Underdogs’
There is no joy in dealing away champions and character players.
London Free PressRyan Pyette

Finally, the iron man of goalies, having played 552 season + playoff games in a row, Glenn Hall has passed.

Hall, ironman goaltender with record 502 consecutive starts, dies at 94 | NHL.com
Hall of Famer won Vezina Trophy 3 times, along with Conn Smythe and Calder in 18-year career
NHL logoNHLMedia

I met him at a card show, he was very nice. Took time with everyone. Apparently he didn't go to many shows because he wasn't a huge fan of flying, so I lucked out there.

3 Vezina trophies, 84 shutouts, and then back to his farm in Alberta for a nice quiet retirement.

Enjoy your day everyone.

From The Branches