It's another quiet weekend in the world of hockey. Even our friends in Perth have the weekend off. There have been a few signings across the league, mostly RFA's, and the details of the ECHL's realignment have come out, but, overall, it's just another summer weekend.

Leo Komarov – 2016-17 Player Preview - MLHS
Komarov earned the favour of new head coach Mike Babcock with his work ethic, attitude and edgy play, as well as his growing confidence with the puck.

8 reasons UFA Jimmy Vesey will sign with the Leafs - Shanaplan Debate
Jimmy Vesey will have a huge decision to make on August 15th - where to sign his first NHL contract. Here's 8 reasons why it's the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Blues and Jaden Schwartz produce perfect contract - St. Louis Game Time
Five year deal at 5.35M AAV suits team and player.

Foley’s frustration grows over lack of name - Las Vegas Review-Journal
Foley said he has seen and heard every name imaginable, but he has yet to find the one name that really wows him and is obtainable without paying ransom to someone who has secured the rights.

Why did Panthers owner call me out? Here's the full story - Sun Sentinel
Sometimes in this crazy business of sports writing you make mistakes. Sometimes you offend people – sometimes without even realizing it. And sometimes you’re thrust into a strange situation that’s mystifying for why you’re in the middle of it.

Avoiding consensus top pick has worked in past for Jackets - The Cannon
In 2016 the Jackets didn’t make the consensus pick. They didn’t do it in 2010 either, and that worked out OK.

U.S., Canadian anti-doping agencies want blanket ban on Russians at Rio - CBC
Russia's track and field athletes are already banned from competing at next month's Olympics by the world governing International Association of Athletics' Federations (IAAF) over widespread doping in the sport.

Gary Player rips golfers for skipping Olympics due to Zika - The Washington Post
"You've got more of a chance of being killed by a gun or a motor car in America than getting Zika," the 80-year-old legend said.

Climbing's inclusion in Olympics a false summit for some in the sport - Guardian
Sport climbing is expected to feature at the 2020 Tokyo Games, but the effect that might have is dividing climbers.

From The Branches