Last night the Marner Assist Fund held it’s gala evening to kick off the All-Star Invitational, and fundraising game that invites fans to play and raise money while being coached by NHL players. What we saw last night, was the players getting their new “Lou-free” season looks down.

Matthews is sporting some scruff we haven’t seen before.

Marner wants to be seen less like a kid:

But then he shows up like this and, well, it’s hard not to:

A couple former team mates were there...

Auston told us to watch out for Nylanders new look and he’s got the hair coming back.

It looks like Marner’s fundraiser was a success. Now it’s being pointed out on Twitter for some reason that Marner isn’t the first player to raise money for kids, and duh. I don’t know why people feel the need to see someone doing something nice and go “Well Sundin did it to so this isn’t anything special”.  Calm your butt and let people raise money the way they want to.

Here are your Friday links.

NHL Concussion Litigation: What’s the likelihood of success for the former players? - MLHS

Hockey players of color tout talent – and diversity – at summer tournaments - Colour of Hockey

Hurricanes Revisionist History: The Canes Don’t Trade for Jordan Staal - Canes Country
What if the Canes never pulled the trigger on the deal that united Eric and Jordan Staal?

Can the Vegas Golden Knights Make the Playoffs Again - Last Word on Hockey
The Vegas Golden Knights surprised with a Cinderella playoff run in 2017-18, but was it beginners luck, or do the desert have a destiny in 2018-19?

The 2000 NHL Entry Draft was the worst in Florida Panthers history - Litter Box Cats
Eight players chosen, 19 NHL games played

Trevor Linden Traded Again. And Fired! Er.. Retired. But didn’t quit! - Nucks Misconduct
Aquilini poo poos Trev’s 100 year plan to salvation

From The Branches