Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!

It's the start of Labour Day Weekend, and if you're lucky to get three days off (not me, I get 2) then enjoy the final summer long weekend! If you're working, I apologize. Labour Day is supposed to be a celebration and reminder of the gains and rights Labour has fought and died for, and you should also be off work, enjoying the day. Hopefully you're getting at least time and a half.

Someone who isn't done working is Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving, who is still busy trying to fill the gaps he sees on the roster. He's diving into the reclamation bin this time: Welcome to Toronto Max Pacioretty?

We've had former Canadians in town before, Kirk Muller, Doug Gilmour, Darcy Tucker, but one that also wears number sixty-seven?!

Maple Leafs by the numbers: The 60’s
You thought yesterday was short…
PPP LeafsAdam Selvig

Ugh, gross. No way. A Hab, old, two Achilles injuries, and a 67? Wow Brad. This isn't going to go down as easy as a delicious pierogi pizza and some cactus chips (send me money).

So, Max Pacioretty. Toronto Maple Leaf. There's no one in the system that could slot in on the left wing? Hm.

Well, as we get closer to training camp we'll see more rumors like these coming up. PTO's, vets, is JvR coming back? Things like that. It's fun. It's annoying. I love it.

Alexander Barabanov spoke about playing in the NHL, and the Leafs, now that he's in the KHL.

Sharks Played Hockey That ‘Kills The Player In You,’ Says Alexander Barabanov
Forward Alexander Barabanov returned to the KHL this summer and signed a contract with Ak Bars Kazan after four seasons in the NHL, where he played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks. Barabanov never got to play in the playoffs or compete for the Stanley Cup, but he remembers his North American experience with great respect and joy.
Responsible GamblingSergey Demidov

Former Maple Leaf Steve Sullivan is joining the Toronto Marlies coaching staff. Sullivan played for Toronto for four seasons in the late 90s, before moving on to spending most of his career in Chicago and Nashville.

Timmins’ Steve Sullivan gets new job behind Toronto Marlies bench
He joins the coaching team as an assistant
TimminsToday.com

Bad news for the Hurricanes, as Jesper Fast is out for the season before training camp even begins after having neck surgery.

Hurricanes’ Fast likely out for season after surgery
Hurricanes forward Jesper Fast, who had neck surgery Aug. 6, is expected to miss the season, the team announced Thursday.
ESPNAlden Gonzalez

The off-season isn't over yet! You can't grade it!

Who aced the NHL offseason? Grading all 32 teams on their moves
NHL training camps will open in September and the regular season starts in October. Which teams improved the most this offseason?
USA TODAY, USA TODAY

Anyway, players expect a lock out. Wheeee!

Travis Yost: NHL players preparing for labour uncertainty with lockout-protected contracts | TSN
Unlike some other North American sports leagues, the NHL’s rebound from the “COVID years” has been materially slower from a revenue perspective. Because of this, players are taking steps to prevent from any potential future labour uncertainty. Travis Yost has more.
TSNTravis Yost

Enjoy your day everyone!

From The Branches