It's almost Back to School time, which means it's almost Back to Hockey time, though don't get your Leafs jersey out just yet. The Leafs first pre-season game is September 21 against the Ottawa Senators, exactly one month from today, but time flies when your having fun watching the Jays.

Last night was Hockey Night in Brampton, an event to raise funds for a local hospital foundation in Brampton and Etobicoke. The game had some big time stars present including Toronto Sceptres captain Blayre Turnbull and Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

Auston had a lot of fans at the game.

And Matthews talked about Marner.

‘We’ll obviously miss him’: Maple Leafs’ Matthews addresses Marner’s departure
It’s safe to say there’s no love lost between Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner post-split.
Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff

A contract signing! But not the Leafs.

Olofsson signs 1-year contract with Avalanche | NHL.com
Forward had 29 points for Golden Knights last season, was free agent
NHL logoNHLdotcom

Still weird that Dennis Hildeby has not signed.

Tickets for Toronto Marlies games go on sale for Marlies Insiders today at noon, and then tickets will be on sale for the general public tomorrow at noon. The home opener is Saturday October 13, that's the Saturday of the Thanksgiving weekend with the game at 4:00 p.m. against the Rochester Americans.

Our Top 25 Under 25 continues today with a player who was not drafted by the Leafs. You'll find out who at 8:00 a.m.!

From The Branches