Hello, Darkness, My Old Friend

Attempting to Make Sense of the Phil Kessel Trade
DGB's Kessel trade analysis. As much as I hate to admit it, it really does seem like something besides the rebuild motivated the trade. (I don't think it was the hot dogs, though - sorry, Steve Simmons.)

Phil Kessel delighted to join star-laden Pittsburgh Penguins
He certainly sounds delighted. THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT, TORONTO MEDIA/DAVE NONIS.

Mirtle: With Kessel gone, biggest question for Leafs is who’s next? - The Globe and Mail
Hopefully the answer to this question is "Tyler Bozak."

Second Day of Free Agency

Capitals Acquire T.J. Oshie for Troy Brouwer, Pheonix Copley and a Pick - Japers' Rink
In today's biggest move, the Blues traded Olympic Shootout Hero T.J. Oshie to a team that truly represents his patriotism. The trade is a clear win for the Capitals, since Oshie is the better player - Washington has made some really great moves this offseason to solidify their offense.

NHL free agency: Where did all the dumb contracts go? | NHL | Sporting News
A good look at this year's surprisingly reasonable free agent deals. The bad moves this year were mostly small...a disappointing time for those of us who love chaos.

Goodbyes

Undersized, undrafted underdog St. Louis announces retirement from NHL - Brandon Sun
Martin St. Louis is leaving the NHL after 16 seasons. His enormous legs will live on in our hearts.

Thank You, Pittsburgh | The Players' Tribune
Paul Martin's farewell letter to his former team. Way more entertaining and heartfelt than your typical goodbye press conference.

Serious Matters

Mike Richards, OxyContin and the Termination of His Contract
A legal explanation of the issues the Kings might face for terminating Mike Richards' contract. There's still a lot we don't know about this case, so it's hard to see what the ultimate outcome will be, but this has the potential to get messy. In the meantime, I hope Richards is getting any help he might need.

Voynov Pleads No Contest to Misdemeanor Count of Corporal Injury - Jewels From The Crown
Voynov's plea deal was finalized on Thursday. During the course of this hearing, he admitted to committing domestic violence, so the "it's just an accusation, it might not have happened" arguments can stop now. At this point, my hope for this situation is that Voynov's partner is safe, that his punishment does not result in further harm for her, and that he continues to be suspended by the NHL and the Kings. This article includes links to shelters and organizations that help victims of domestic violence, if you're moved to donate.

From The Branches