Very sad news yesterday. The man who brought Mats Sundin to the Leafs has died at age 90.

‘Idea guy’ Cliff Fletcher led teams with creativity, boldness
As an NHL GM, Cliff Fletcher became known for bold trades. In doing so he enjoyed a ton of success and made the league a more interesting place.
Sportsnet.caRyan Dixon

At the Combine, John Chayka and Mark Leach both met with the media:

Parsing out what they had to say amounts to a lot of positive things about Gavin McKenna and endless repeats of the idea the the scouting staff is aligned with new management. There is also some details on the scope of the coaching search (vast) and the shocking news that they might do some things in terms of trades and free agent signings.

McKenna, top prospects on final countdown to NHL Draft | NHL.com
Penn State forward says it would be ‘an honor’ to be selected No. 1 by Maple Leafs on June 26
NHL logoMike G. Morreale

PWHL expansion continues over the weekend with the Daryl Watts signing in Detroit now official.

In relatives of Leafs employees news, Mark's nephew moves from an assistant job with the Bruins to head coach in the AHL.

A proposed change to how the NCAA would start counting eligibility years has been changed:

NCAA to change eligibility rules for age, helping hockey
Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff

The Marlies have taken the lead in their series three games to two:

Easton Cowan propels Marlies to win, playoff series lead over Penguins
Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff

And finally as a final word from the Combine, this is pretty damn good.

NHL Scouting Combine less about data, more about humanity
From the cynic’s perspective, the NHL Scouting Combine can look like a pointless, or even a bit of a weird exercise. But not so fast, writes Justin Bourne.
Sportsnet.caJustin Bourne

This has an unusual, and I'd say very valuable, perspective on those draft pick graphs we've all seen.

So, if all the kids past the first round are in a cluster of “maybe?” and it’s unpredictable, shouldn’t you value the type of kids you admire, who you want your team to include if they do hit? Or who at least contribute positively to the org’s culture while they try?

Soon we'll be consumed with prospect evaluation around here, and it pays to remember that evaluating how good a player plays hockey is not evaluating them as a person. You don't have to lie about their future chances – to yourself or to anyone else – to respect the people trying. And you don't have to assume that realistic views of their prospects for the future are disrespect to them as people.

But for a team drafting players? It's not an outrage if they pick someone with a pick past about 15 based on vibes or personality or where they're from or which scout really likes them. They aren't assets. They are people.

Which is one reason why you'll hear Leafs brass already telling you clearly how highly they think of Gavin McKenna.

Saturday is Mitch Marner back in action in the SCF. The next Marlies game is Sunday with an early 6 pm start.

That's all for now.

From The Branches