Oh boy, it's my favourite time of year as turds and lazy editors demand stories on "who will Canada cheer for if there's no Canadian based corporation playing in the NHL playoffs?"

Here's your answer dumbasses: ANY TEAM THEY WANT. Or, they wont watch because their favourite team isn't playing, or they're a casual fan who confuses the NHL with Hockey Canada.

God, it's just as awful every year. Shut up already.

Also in the OHL playoffs last night, London knights player Max Jones was ejected for a predatory hit to the head of Owen Sound player. In the clip below you can see him laughing as he's sent to the dressing room.

This being the OHL he's going to see a suspension, he's going to miss games. However, the Knights organization/Jones' teammates could also see fines coming their way after a few Knights players commented on an Instagram post of the hit:

The OHL has a social media policy, probably to tell players not to do this, but I can't find specifics at the moment. I didn't see Marner or Piccinich in there, but the account was made private and the comments deleted.

The Knights would win the game and move on to a 3-1 series lead.

Here are your links:

MORGAN RIELLY’S NEXT CONTRACT: DETERMINING FAIR DOLLAR VALUE AND TERM - Lobster hockey
When assessing players similar to Rielly and the contracts they signed after their entry-level deal, it becomes clear that Rielly deserves a contract of five to six years at $5 million AAV, or a bridge deal of two years at ~$3 million AAV, with the former being more likely than the latter because of the precedent set by comparable players.

Vintage Leaf Memories - Michael Langlois: 10 Maple Leaf thoughts as another non-playoff NHL season winds down…
Now I realize that for many Leaf fans, this is actually the situation they have been dreaming about for years. The idea of being in a position to (lottery permitting) actually draft the best draft-eligible player available in the world is enticing.

The Best Top 5 Leafs Pick Ever?: Lanny McDonald | The LeafsNation
We all know the Leafs have made countless and egregious errors when it comes to the handling of their precious first-round selections, and especially those at the top end of those particular drafts. When one actually does a deep dive into what the Maple Leafs came away with in years they missed the postseason, and what they logically should have, it's more stunning than you might have first thought.

Leafs from Rivers: RFAs, the Series - Episode 1: Nazem Kadri
The most prominent word that comes to mind for some with Kadri this season would be "disappointing". For me, it's "encouraging" or even "advantageous".

Maple Leafs Brendan Shanahan Was Right About Fighting - Editor In Leaf
Toronto Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan’s name came up in the now-made-public e-mails from the National Hockey League – but in a positive, progressive way.

Using NHLe to Analyze Maple Leafs’ Prospects – Babcock Bling
The Maple Leafs’ prospect depth chart is looking better than it has ever before. With the recent ending of the junior leagues’ regular seasons, I thought it would be fun to see how Maple Leafs’ prospects would perform in the NHL. Using NHLe we can see how many points a particular player would likely score in the NHL.

Toronto Maple Leafs: 7 Players to Watch as Season Comes to an End
Looking back at the Toronto Maple Leafs roster before the trade deadline compared to what it looks like now, there has been a significant turnover. However, it has been a major benefit for a rebuilding Leafs team, because many young players are getting an opportunity to play.

Jake Virtanen suspended two games for interference against Roman Polak - Fear The Fin
The hit, which blindsided Polak and sent him (briefly) to the locker room, earned Virtanen a game misconduct and gave the Sharks a five-minute power play. I'm choosing to forget about the power play.

Down Goes Brown: When first overall busts are traded
News broke this week that Nail Yakupov has asked the Oilers to trade him. That’s probably not devastating news for Edmonton fans, most of whom have soured on the unproductive winger. Four years after being taken with the first overall pick in the 2012 draft, there’s little question that Yakupov is dangerously close to settling into bust territory.

COMMENTARY: In Praise of Jakob Silfverberg - Anaheim Calling
In the 37 games since the calendar turned to 2016, Silfverberg has scored 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points. His offensive turnaround — most apparent in a four-point hat trick game against the New Jersey Devils — mirrored that of the entire team.

Robin Lehner Undergoes Season-Ending Ankle Surgery - Die By The Blade
It's too late to tank Sabres.

Enjoy your day. mute anyway who moans about Canadian NHL teams.

From The Branches