It’s Monday in mid-July, nothing is happening, and unfortunately, I have no fun Hallmark movie plotlines to share with you this morning. We’re entering the offseason-iest part of the offseason, and I assume Maple Leafs management have retreated to their secret lair gone on vacation instead of giving us the drama news we crave.

(Just watch. Five minutes after I publish this, someone’s going to trade James van Riemsdyk and all hell will break loose).

Heads up, though: a new PPPodcast, Back to Excited, is making its debut later this morning.

It’s the perfect thing to listen to on your lunch break, or evening commute, or midday regeneration cycle—however the spirit moves you.

ICYMI

Eemeli Räsänen on a path that could end at the WJC - Pension Plan Puppets
It’s too soon for a WJC roster, but Eemeli Räsänen has been named to the Finnish team for a summer tournament, with more potentially to come.

Stuff We Didn’t Write

Toronto Maple Leafs: Game of Thrones Character Crossover
Those of you who know more about Game of Thrones than me (all of you) should rate the accuracy of this piece in the comments.

What Does the Market Suggest For Ryan Johansen’s Next Contract? - On the Forecheck
Ryan Johansen did not file for arbitration. Determining the value of his next contract is just between his agent and David Poile, but the market will play a significant role.

Sharks thank Marleau with full-page Merc ad - Fear The Fin
The longest-tenured player in franchise history gets an old school thank you.

John Tortorella, Maple Leafs and NHL coaching salary explosion
The NHL salary cap prevents franchises like the Toronto Maple Leafs from using bottomless financial reverses to create the best team money can buy, on the ice.

P.S.— If people are planning on discussing spoilers from last night’s Game of Thrones, I would like to humbly request that one of you start a fanpost for that purpose to keep the FTB spoiler-free. It’s the polite thing to do! We’re all polite here, right?

From The Branches