Happy Saturday! First off, your local Toronto Star wants people to email them letters with the subject line, "How to improve the Leafs," in 100 words or less. They will publish the best submissions. The deadline is March 4, and the email address is thestarsubmissions@gmail.com.

Sounds fun, honestly. I think I'll write in about my own special idea to replace the Leafs with Solar Bears.

Leafs News

William Nylander asks Kasperi Kapanen 20 questions, both are the very best | PPP
Ari and I totally ship it.

Snoop Dogg wore a Mitch Marner jersey for London show | PPP
I was going to open this FTB with Snoop Dogg lyrics. So I looked through, and ... nope. And...maybe...nope. So yeah.

A brief history of embattled Maple Leafs captains | Sportsnet
"The search for a Leafs captain who basically ended his career on positive terms with the Leafs....would be George Armstrong. Armstrong served as captain from 1957-to-1969 and was the first player to hoist the Stanley Cup in the franchise's last four championships."

Ottawa Senators’ Dion Phaneuf evolved into a highly respected leader with Toronto Maple Leafs | National Post
"Different perhaps from public perception, Phaneuf evolved into a well-respected leader during a six-year run in Toronto and his wisdom made an impression on Rielly."

Farewell Dion and Are More Trades Coming for the Maple Leafs? | TOTT
In this episode of the ToT-cast, we discuss the Toronto Maple Leafs decision to trade Dion Phaneuf, and who might be next to go.

Maple Leafs left to gawk as McDavid legend grows | Sportsnet
I'm making a dismissive wanking gesture at this headline.

NHL totally ruined the Maple Leafs’ 100th birthday, you guys | PD
In which Wyshynski writes a love letter to El Seldo.

Projecting The 2016-17 Maple Leafs Lineup | THW
First Line: James van Riemsdyk – William Nylander – Mitch Marner
Second Line: Milan Michalek – Nazem Kadri – Leo Komarov
Third Line: Josh Leivo – Zach Hyman – Kasperi Kapanen
Fourth Line: Joffrey Lupul – Byron Froese – Colin Greening/Daniel Winnik

Why Jake Gardiner should be a part of the Maple Leafs rebuild | Sportsnet
"He’s a great two-way defenceman," Rielly said of the 25-year-old Gardiner. "He’s grown a lot since his first year … and he’s playing some great hockey right now. He’s a leader on this team."

GAR, Player Value and Cap Efficiency: How the Toronto Maple Leafs May Be Analyzing their Cap | MLHS
"Having looked at GAR and player evaluation, I now want to incorporate contract dollars to show how to use GAR to quantify player ‘value’."

Last Night's Games

Subban gets ejected for arguing about puck that hit the linesman

Dat shot

Oops

WOW

PHIL!

SB Nation Game Recaps

Sabres snap losing streak with rowdy 6-4 win - Die By The Blade
The Sabres finally give their home fans something to cheer about in a fun, sloppy 6-4 win.

I'm Slovin' It - Jewels From The Crown
Anze Kopitar hat trick. Tanner Pearson overtime goal. Need I say more? Well, I did.

Pens win in a shootout 2-1 - PensBurgh
PHIL!

Avalance Beat Red Wings 3-2 - Mile High Hockey
No clue how they did it, but they did it.

Lightning snap skid with 4-3 OT winner - Raw Charge
Steven Stamkos drew a penalty and scored on the subsequent power play with less than a minute remaining in regulation to tie the game for Tampa Bay, forcing overtime where Tyler Johnson won it for the Lightning.

Spaceballs: The Blues Vs. Panthers Recap - St. Louis Game Time
Our Schwartz was bigger than theirs. (So what if they didn't have one)

Doan sets franchise mark as the Coyotes get big win - Five For Howling
Shane Doan became the franchise leader in points as the Coyotes cruised to a 4-1 win over the Flames.

Other Hockey News

Seen & Heard – Weekend Edition Toronto Sports Media Blog
So let’s recap: as compared to 13 months ago Toronto sports radio listeners now have two new morning shows, one new drive time show, two new early afternoon deadzone shows, and a new lunch hour hockey show. We can throw the loss of Macko into the mix as well. For the statistically inclined, that’s a 70% turnover rate.

Les Canadiennes look to clinch first vs Inferno in Calgary - Eyes On The Prize
The two top teams in the CWHL are battling for playoff positioning

Turning Edmonton into a High-Event Team - The Copper & Blue
One of the most entertaining teams to watch this season have been the Dallas Stars. With a well constructed roster, they're near the top of the league when it comes to goals and points percentage.

2016 World Cup of Hockey: Team North America could be defined by Blue Jackets - The Cannon
The unique Team North America at the upcoming World Cup of Hockey could see four Blue Jackets playing key roles.

Bruins need to decide if they are all in, or rebuilding - Stanley Cup of Chowder
Purgatory will hurt the Bruins in the short term and the long term

WATCH: Duncan Keith plays hockey with local youth team - Second City Hockey
The kids had no idea Keith was going to be there, so they were taken completely by surprise!

Sabres are Steven Stamkos' first choice according to Bob McKenzie - Die By The Blade
Possibly the biggest free agent in years in interested in your favorite team. Rejoice!

Radko Gudas won't be suspended for hit on David Catenacci, but he should be - Broad Street Hockey
The NHL got this one wrong.

The Philadelphia Flyers and their Sweethearts® - Broad Street Hockey
Nothing is better than the combination of hockey and candy.

Reassigning Connor Hellebuyck is the right move at the right time - Arctic Ice Hockey
Rumours of Connor Hellebuyck's dominance have been greatly exaggerated. In light of his recent struggles, coupled with the incredible burden currently shouldered by Eric Comrie, reassigning Hellebuyck makes sense for reasons beyond "tanking".

From The Branches