Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!

News is still a little slow going but we did get a couple small items. First uoz defender Philippe Meyers got a two year contract extension.

Maple Leafs extend Philippe Myers for 2 years
Toronto announced a two year extension for one of their better depth defensemen.
PPP LeafsBrian S

Then , shortly after the waiver wire closed and the Maple Leafs announced the return of Dakota Mermis!

Mermis was with the Leafs until he was claimed off waivers on December 12th by Utah HC.

Including the Leafs in a rumour is a surefire way to get some eyeballs, and with rumours of Jonathan Toews trying to make a comeback after two years out of action you know the Leafs are getting pulled in.

Should the Maple Leafs Kucherov Matthews?

Nick Kypreos: The curious case of Auston Matthews will determine the Leafs’ next move. But maybe not the way fans expect
There’s no doubt that Matthews’ lingering injury will have a significant impact on how this season will play out for the Leafs, writes Nick Kypreos.
Toronto StarNick Kypreos

What? How could an outdoor game in Chicago not draw well? It's a rare event that only happens twice a season.

NHL Winter Classic draws all-time low viewership
This year’s Winter Classic between the Blues and Blackhawks shifted to New Year’s Eve in a move that did not pan out for the NHL.
Awful AnnouncingMatt Yoder

It would already be broken if the NHL didn't hate going four years without a lockout.

Alex Ovechkin is on track to break Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record
Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is closing in on the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin has 871 goals and needs 24 to set a new record.
Times Colonist

Sometimes the drama off ice is more entertaining.

Vancouver’s Favorite Sport Isn’t Hockey, It’s Talking About Locker-Room Beefs | Defector
Perhaps like their shooting percentage, the harmony and good vibes of the Vancouver Canucks were due for regression this year. Still clinging to the second Western Conference wild card spot but with a tough remaining schedule and a new batch of injuries, the Canucks are neither good enough to contend (as they were last year) […]
Defector homeMaitreyi Anantharaman

With the PWHL on the rise, Hockey Canada has brought the Women's World Championships there for five straight years, from 2026-2030.

Canada to host record five straight women’s hockey championships, starting in 2026
Hockey Canada and the International Ice Hockey Federation announced Friday that five women’s championships will be played in Canada between 2026 and 2030, marking the first time in women’s hockey history that a country will host that many championships in as many years.
Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff

Canmore, Alberta needs you to come play some ball hockey.

Inclusion model being used for first time at Hockey Day in Canada Ball Hockey Tournament in Canmore
Ball hockey players wanted for Hockey Day in Canada tournament in Canmore
Rocky Mountain OutlookJordan Small

The QMJHL cracked down hard on fighting coming out of the pandemic. Others are following.

‘The ‘Q’ has changed along with the rest of hockey’
QMJHL’s anti-fighting stance paves way for skill, scoring and excitement for NL hockey fans
PNI Atlantic NewsChristopher Ballard

Finally, are we at the point of having a other symposium? I hope so, I love Symposia!

Hockey Canada picks up the pieces after another quarterfinal exit at world junior
Hockey Canada executive Scott Salmond says “the buck stops” with him.
Metroland MediaJoshua Clipperton The Canadian Press

It's Leafs vs Bruins tonight!

Enjoy your day everyone!

From The Branches