Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!

Lots happened yesterday, so let's get right to it!

JT Miller!

JT Miller was finally traded away from the Vancouver Canucks, and will be playing for the New York Rangers. Elias Pettersson is happy. The return is fine. Now, there's no more excuses Vancouver.

JT Miller traded to New York Rangers for Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini, and a first-round draft pick
The Vancouver Canucks have finally found JT Miller a landing spot after weeks of trade speculation. Miller, Erik Brannstrom, and Jackson Dorrington…
RMNBChris Cerullo

Then, just to spite Miller, they went and traded for another Pettersson, nabbing Marcus from the Pittsburgh Penguins along with Drew O'Connor.

Four Nations Face Off!

The merchandise is now available for the Four Nations Face Off, and while I'm not bothered one way or another about it, I just wanted to congratulate Sweden on never gimmicking up their jerseys for a money grab - unlike a certain red and white country does every single time - and they stick with the classic Tre Kroner.

Three crowns. That's it. That's the jersey.

Hershey Bears!

Sticking with jerseys, the Hershey Bears debuted a new third jersey, with a baseball script across the front using the nickname "Chocolatetown" for an unknown reason. It's not bad looking, but maybe with the script they used some pinstripes?

Hershey Bears release new ‘Chocolatetown’ third jerseys
The Hershey Bears will rock new third jerseys that have a nod to their past against the Bridgeport Islanders on Friday night.…
RMNBIan Oland

Rob Ray night!

The Buffalo Sabres inducted Rob Ray into their hall of fame last night, and the beloved Sabre brought back many fan favourites to celebrate with him.

Sabres Hall of Fame: Despite pleas from coach, Rob Ray fought Dave Brown, became NHL heavyweight - Buffalo Hockey Beat
In a couple of his early fights, Sabres tough guy Rob Ray’s jersey came off, freeing him to unleash punches and giving his opponent nothing to grab.
Buffalo Hockey Beat - WNY and Buffalo NY Hockey CoverageBill Hoppe

Matthew Knies!

Matthew Knies is set to return to the Leafs line up tonight, hopefully he makes up for lost time on the scoreboard.

‘Fortunate For Me It Wasn’t Anything Serious’: Matthew Knies Reveals Shoulder Injury, Set To Return To Maple Leafs Lineup Against Oilers
Knies was a full participant in practice on Friday in Edmonton, skating on the top line and power play unit.
Yahoo SportsEvan Doerfler

Salary Cap!

It's always all about the Leafs, and as news came out about the projected salary cap increased, everyone made it all about the Leafs and a certain upcoming free agent.

NHL growth prompts significant salary cap bump
The NHL is projecting a significant increase in the salary cap over the next three seasons to reflect the healthy growth of the league after the pandemic.
ESPNEmily Kaplan

Not enough to get your hopes up, probably.

What to expect from the Maple Leafs by the 2025 trade deadline
With the NHL’s trade season in full swing and eyeing the 4 Nations break as an early deadline before the real thing on March 7, Justin Bourne writes about what he expects the Leafs to do.
Sportsnet.caJustin Bourne

Finally, the small northern Newfoundland town of Roddickton-Bide Arm has a population of 928 people, but they're going to get one heck of a show when NHL alumni come to town.

‘Going to be on wheels’: Former NHLers come to Roddickton-Bide Arm and town is abuzz
The NHL Hockey of Legends Tour is making a stop in the small community on the Northern Peninsula and it’s a big deal, says Roddickton-Bide Arm hockey player Danny Simms. Rich and Ron Sutter are among the former pros who will face off against regular Joes, and even some minor hockey players, on Saturday, Feb. 1.
Yahoo NewsCBC

Good for the alumni to make the trek out there.

Enjoy your day everyone!

From The Branches