From the Branches: A special day for Auston Matthews

When I was looking for inspiration for today’s FTB, Annie told me that today is a very important day! On this day in 1971, Guy Lafleur made his NHL debut! No, wait, that wasn’t it. It’s Ovi’s birthday! That seems closer but not quiiite... oh yes. Auston Matthews turns 20 today.

In celebration, he gets to play a little hockey and have a barbecue with fans and teammates later this afternoon. I hope there’s a cake. There should at least be a gif party in the comments.

ICYMI

Coincidentally, Matthews spent the last day of his 19th year playing a little hockey too!

Toronto Maple Leafs training camp by the numbers - Pension Plan Puppets
How many players from the CHL are there? How many are draftees vs free agents? How many are over 35?

Maple Leafs training camp: Day two, brought to you by video - Pension Plan Puppets
The Leafs post videos of the media scrums. I watched them all so you don’t have to.

Furies first-round pick Capizzano will not join team this season - Pension Plan Puppets
Everything is fine. The games next weekend will be fine. I will not be smuggling Kohanchuk back from Sweden and begging Terry to un-retire.

Other Leafs news

Roster spots scarce for Leafs on the bubble - Article - TSN
Kristen Shilton brings us other stories from training camp.
Did Arvind’s article come with bingo cards?

Other training camps

If Leafs footage isn’t enough hockey for you and you haven’t scheduled an all day party in honour of Auston Matthews, perhaps you’d like to take a minute and study the enemy.

Red Wings Training Camp Day 2 Quotes And Notes - Winging It In Motown
Today was kind of an odd feeling day for me, one of those days where it simultaneously feels like nothing of significance is really going on, but also at the same time there’s a lot of information...

Saturday training camp notes: Canadiens lines remain the same on Day 3 - Eyes On The Prize
Camp performance under a new coach will be more important than ever.

Observations from Dallas Stars Training Camp: Day 2 - Defending Big D
Make room for Honka.