Leafs News

The Laafs signed Martin Marincin yesterday to a one year deal.

If you would like to know more about Marincin, here is a post from Copper 'n Blue that looks back at his time with the Oilers.

The Progress of Martin Marincin - The Copper & Blue
A look into the development and deployment of the young Slovak defender.

Free Agency

NHL free agency: 5 players still available - NHL on CBC Sports - Hockey news, opinion, scores, stats, standings
A total of 154 NHL unrestricted free agents secured deals in the first five days of the signing period, but value remains in the form of depth forwards and veteran defencemen.

NHL free agents becoming desperate as money dries up in a buyers’ market - The Globe and Mail
Ten days into NHL free agency, the promise of a huge payday has largely evaporated. Many teams still need to sign their key restricted free agents, and with young players getting paid like never before, many veterans are worried about getting a deal at all

Other News

Who are the best two-way centers in NHL over past 5 seasons? » HockeyAnalysis.com
You may or may not be surprised at Bozak's ranking.

Steven Stamkos hasn't yet started negotiating with the Tampa Bay Lightning, which is totally fine - Raw Charge
Yes. perfectly fine!

The $8 million man? Here's what Jakub Voracek could earn on his next contract - Broad Street Hockey
The Flyers' star winger took yet another big step forward this past year, and after the best season of his NHL career, what will the team have to pay Jakub Voracek if they hope to lock him up long term?

Tampa Bay officially submits bid to host 2018 World Junior Championship - Raw Charge
Tampa would be the farthest south the IIHF's tournament has ever been played, and may very well be the most ideal location for 2018.

Why can’t NHL try to be fun like the NBA?: Arthur | Toronto Star
NBA can be ruthless and pure madness as the DeAndre Jordan fiasco shows, while NHL aims for boring more than it needs to be.

Blackhawks' Stanley Cup win captured by flipbook artist - CBC Sports
A Chicago flipbook artist came up with a unique and creative way to pay tribute to the Blackhawks' third Stanley Cup in six seasons.

Keith Olbermann Is Out At ESPN
Steve Simmons must have some friends in ESPN management.

Providence Commit Jake Henderson Signs with Kitchener of OHL - SB Nation College Hockey
I wonder how big the sack of cash was.

Pan Am Games

For everyone in Toronto, a reminder that the Pan Am Games have technically already started, and the official opening ceremony is tonight, including a performance by Cirque Du Soleil

Pan Am Games begin today in Toronto with opening ceremony - Toronto - CBC News
The athletes are ready. The colourful pinecone-like cauldron has been revealed. And Friday night’s sold out opening ceremony promises to get the TO2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games going with a bang.

Opening ceremony broadcast party to be held Friday at Nathan Phillips Square | Toronto Star
Details here about the viewing party at Nathan Phillips Square tonight (and cringe with me at the use of the word 'bespoke')

Road closures for Pan Am Games prep, opening ceremony | CTV Toronto News
For the ornery cranks 'just trying to get home to my family' here are the rolling road closures through the city this evening as the torch makes it's way to the Opening Ceremony at.... umm.... I can't even figure out where it is.

From The Branches