Leafs draft first overall in 2016

Maple Leafs draft lottery win doesn't validate tank, says Shanahan | Puck Daddy
"It had nothing to do with the Oilers, but this was the first time in the evening that it was possible I could see the Leafs logo. That we didn’t made me feel very good," Shanahan said.

Maple Leafs enjoy some rare good news for change: Feschuk | Toronto Star
"Toronto’s win of the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL’s draft lottery meant the organization’s grand vision of the 2015-16 season was executed to a tee."

NHL Draft Lottery results: Maple Leafs get first pick; Jets, Jackets in top 3 | CBS Sports
"Toronto can breathe a deep sigh of relief as it only had a 20 percent chance at picking first. As we've seen in recent years, sometimes a last-place finish can be a curse. This year it could have been even worse as the NHL's new rules would have made it possible for the Leafs to drop as far as fourth overall. Lucky for them, it didn't happen. This is the first time Toronto will pick first overall since they selected Wendel Clark with the top pick in 1985."

Full results of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft Lotteries | HEOTP
"The first lottery was won by that 30th-overall club, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who will now very likely take Auston Matthews first overall on June 24."

Off-Season Game Plan: Toronto Maple Leafs | TSN
"Off-Season Game Plan looks at the Leafs moving forward, with lots of young talent ready to push its way into the lineup."

Auston Matthews has a ‘lot of questions’ about Lamoriello | Sportsnet
"While Finnish winger Patrik Laine has made the choice for whichever team picks first overall a lot more interesting with his impressive play in the Finnish Elite League’s playoffs, Matthews remains the top rated skater by NHL Central Scouting’s Dan Marr and Sportsnet’s Damien Cox."

Arctic Ice Hockey Podcast featuring your special guest Acha | AIH
"It was a glorious night for the Winnipeg Jets, as they moved up to the 2nd overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. For other teams, the night was full of mixed results. We spoke with an elated @tanyarezak about Toronto keeping the 1st overall pick." -- I admit I squealed. The first 15 seconds are me squealing.

Fans at TLN's lottery party at Tilted Kilt go nuts after Leafs win 1st overall pick | TLN
But where are all the shirtless, painted men in kilts?

Battle of Ontario Episode 5 – Lottery/Draft Edition with Corey Pronman and Marc-André Dumont | MLHS
"In episode five of the Battle of Ontario, Callum and Alec get the skinny on rising prospect Pierre Luc Dubois through a conversation with Cape Breton Screaming Eagles head coach and GM, Marc-André Dumont."

Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable: Trading Joffrey Lupul | Editor in Leaf
"The oft-injured Toronto Maple Leafs forward is just making more than he should and the Toronto Maple Leafs could better utilize the cap space with another player."

VIDEO: Mitch Marner's journey to Toronto Maple Leafs started in Bowmanville | Durham Region News
"Sixteen years later, and with the Ontario Hockey League championship series set to begin Thursday, May 5, Mitch Marner is within reach of setting a record for playoff points as his London Knights prepare to do battle with the upstart Niagara IceDogs."

Toronto Marlies: Calder Cup First Round Wrap-up | MLHS
"As expected, the Toronto Marlies cruised past the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the opening round of the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs."

FROLUNDA TV: NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS THE MOVIE | Frolundaindians.com
Watch Andreas Johnson do his thing!

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Reminder

The Annual Goodlife Toronto Marathon starts today at 9AM. If you are planning to travel across Yonge Street, or anywhere in downtown by car, change your plans. Yonge Street is closed all the way from Empress to Bloor. The full marathon also breaks off from Yonge to snake through Forest Hill, around Casa Loma, and across Davenport too. Also closed for various stretches are Rosedale Valley Road, Bayview, King, Wellington, Bathurst, and Lake Shore Boulevard from Mimico to Ontario Place.

TLDR; take the subway, GO Train, or UPX to get anywhere in or out of downtown today.

From The Branches