FTB: Two weeks until September

Happy weekend Maple Leafs fans!

I mean, honestly, that's all I have for you.

We're inching closer to more stuff happening, but for now it's small moves. Borderline players heading to Europe, non-star players being traded, and people sitting around wondering when Auston Matthews and William Nylander will sign extensions. Wondering too much. It's still nice out, I'm not going to think about them at all.

So, the borderline player I mentioned above is Ryan Merkley, 2018 San Jose Sharks draft pick whose contract expired after three season in the AHL. He's had talk of "attitude issues" following him around since he was with the Guelph Storm of the OHL. Seems like things didn't pan out, so he's off to the KHL, joining Kunlun Red Star. He'll join some former Marlies on the team; Jake Rodewald (15/16) and Zach Yuen (13/14).

The trade is former Maple Leaf Ilya Lyubushkin has been traded from the Buffalo Sabres to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a 2025 4th round pick. The pick was originally the Minnesota Wilds, they sent it to Anaheim for current Maple Leaf John Klingberg.

I have been reminded that John Klingberg is a Maple Leaf.

Speaking of the Sabres, our friends over at Die By the Blade wrote a remembrance of broadcaster Rick Jeanneret.

The Hockey New has gotten to the Maple Leafs with their prospect pool summaries. Good news! They're all great!

Here is the link.

The Sharks made some front office moves, bringing in Ryan Miller as a goalie scout and Tomas Vanek as a Minnesota regional scout. Both played with current Sharks GM Mike Grier in Buffalo.