The World Cup of Hockey's pre-tournament games continue tonight in Washington DC:
Team Finland vs. Team USA - Verizon Center; Washington, DC; 7 p.m. ET - ESPN, SN1

There's more World Cup news below, but first some Leafs news. Several player's were interviewed at yesterday's golf tournament and they had some things to say about their future with the team.

Martin excited to begin life with Leafs - TSN
"When he signed with Toronto, Martin dismissed the notion he’s just a fighter and reiterated on Monday his commitment to contributing offensively. Martin is coming off career-high numbers in 2015-16, when he tallied 19 points (10 goals, nine assists)"

Connor Carrick ready to battle for spot on Maple Leafs blue line - Canoe
In camp, he will attempt to earn a full-time job in a defence corps that includes Morgan Rielly, Jake Gardiner, Matt Hunwick, Martin Marincin, Roman Polak (hello again) and newcomer Nikita Zaitsev

Brooks Laich would be honoured to wear the C - The Sun
"If the Maple Leafs look at Brooks Laich as short-term captain, they should know he’s done some research on the topic."

So it seems no one wants to cheer for their own nations team at the World Cup. I guess that's why even the opposing teams are cheering for Auston Matthews!

Team Europe coach is fan of Auston Matthews - NHL
Ralph Krueger saw Team North America player, No. 1 draft pick compete against his son in Switzerland

Will Canadian hockey fans end up cheering against Team Canada? - Globe and Mail
There are reasons why the young Team North America could prove highly attractive to fans watching the World Cup of Hockey.

Why I Can’t Root For Team USA’s World Cup Team - Winging It In Motown
There are too many troubling issues on and off the ice to support the USA Hockey’s World Cup team.

With staff in place, McPhee confident in Las Vegas - theScore.com
The Vegas Is Hockey team had a morning daily for your cup of coffee as McPhee rolled out hire after hire like clockwork. Now, Las Vegas will arrive in Toronto for the World Cup on time, and well represented.

Government releases cache of 'secret' 1976 Canada Cup documents - TSN
One memo, sent July 31, 1975, and labelled "restricted," detailed how a refusal by the Toronto Maple Leafs to play Soviet teams that year might impact the Canada Cup the following year.

The Arizona Coyotes are winning the salary cap battle - Five For Howling
The Coyotes may have unknowingly used something that could start the next lockout. Not cap circumvention, but creative cap usage.

WATCH: Joel Lundqvist steals Henrik’s Head & Shoulders ad - Blueshirt Banter
They wanted a new face. And someone younger.

From The Branches