Steve Dangle went to Media Day! "In what was a bit of a surreal moment, I saw Mitch Marner participating in a video session while Auston Matthews and William Nylander waited for their turn... Even after talking about that trio being the backbone of the Leafs' future all summer long, it was still a pretty cool sight to see them all together at once wearing blue and white." Sounds fun.

Not all the rookies are around. Heal up swiftly, Sosh!

Editor in Leaf wonders if it leaves the door open for other players to rise. Likely, yes.

Heading back into the past, the Globe and Mail wrote about Bob Baun skipping out on the Stanley Cup parade of 1967 in favor of a fishing trip. (BTW, I miss your history posts, Singjay!)

The Post wrote about Nazem Kadri becoming an old, grizzled team veteran and leading the youngsters. "More precisely, does Kadri still think of himself as part of the Leafs’ youth movement or as a seasoned veteran? 'I have no idea, man, that’s something for you guys to figure out,' Kadri said with a chuckle on Monday."

Jeff Veillette wrote a story entitled "WHY I BELIEVE IN FRANK CORRADO." Here is his take: "Frank Corrado is a good hockey player and he's going to be a good Leafs defenceman this year."

After the World Cup, I was waiting around anxiously for the "THE KIDS ARE TAKING OVER THE NHL" stories, and lo, TSN did not let me down. "A whole raft of 18- and 19-year-olds throughout the NHL are in contention, if not virtual locks, for roster spots, even though most are eligible to be sent back to junior hockey or, in some cases, to the American Hockey League." Here's another one about how youngsters are good stat-wise, while old guys are scrambling for PTOs. Next take will be "Are players over 25 still relevant?"

Radko Gudas, could you not. I am not sure what the fuck he was thinking, maybe "hm, wonder if I can concuss him before his first NHL game?"

How is Vesey? Oh, he's "fine."

Speaking of bad hits, Niklas Hjalmarsson was suspended for the rest of preseason and the opener for his hit on Rattie. I want moar staged fighting and fewer blindside hitz! OK maybe not.

Have an excellent Tuesday, y’all!

From The Branches