Maybe it's a change from previous management – I have no clue – but the Leafs are indicating in multiple ways that they're taking their time with Auston Matthews' upper body injury and are making sure he's completely healthy. They're hoping this extra time will minimize the chance of it flaring up ever again.

Here's a quick Blueprint video for Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who celebrated 1000 career NHL games during Thursday's win over Washington.

This was a very interesting article on which current NHLers are destined for the Hall of Fame.

Which current NHL players will make the Hockey Hall of Fame? Sorting the candidates into eight tiers
From the immortal locks to the veterans with work left to do to the under-24 players who already appear on track, here are our picks.
ESPNGreg Wyshynski

Connor McDavid has hit 1000 career NHL points. Here's who he compares to (or doesn't) at this point in his career. The Leafs play his Oilers on Saturday.

Oilers’ Connor McDavid becomes fourth-fastest NHL player to 1,000 points
McDavid went into Thursday night with 17 points in 13 regular-season games.
Daily FaceoffHunter Crowther

Congrats to Matt Irwin on his retirement.

Matt Irwin announces retirement after 10 NHL seasons
Defenceman played in 461 games with Anaheim, Boston, Buffalo, Nashville, San Jose and Washington.
NHLPA.comNHLPA Media Release

Happy Friday everyone!

From The Branches