That magical day is finally here! It's the day of the NHL trade deadline, and from now until 3pm, I expect we're all going to be watching Twitter for trades to laugh at discuss among ourselves. Will Matt Duchene still be on the Avalanche by the time you read this? Who knows! I sure don't.

Case in point--as I was drafting this FTB, this happened:

NHL Trade Deadline trade tracker and chat post is now open for all your PPP trade chatting needs.

Hockey is a beautiful game, you guys.

Have some links for your Wednesday morning:

In Case You Missed It

The NHL Trade Deadline is not just about trades - Pension Plan Puppets
There are a few other things that happen on deadline day beyond a lot of time-filling chit-chat on the deadline TV shows.

Brian Boyle: in the cold light of day, was this a good trade? - Pension Plan Puppets
The Leafs don’t seem like a team in the rental market, but this might not be your typical rental.

Three Furies going to the World Championships - Pension Plan Puppets
Erin Ambrose and Renata Fast to join Natalie Spooner on Team Canada

Maple Leafs News

Leafs Should Make Minor Move Only, Protect Future | NHL | NESN.com
The Toronto Maple Leafs' path toward the Stanley Cup might be a little ahead of schedule, but that doesn't mean Brendan Shanahan and Co. should mortgage any part of the team's future to win right now.

Transcript: Brian Boyle discusses being traded from Tampa to Toronto - Raw Charge
Transcribed for accessibility: Boyle talks about how much he enjoyed playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning, the growth of hockey in Tampa, and his excitement about joining the Toronto Maple Leafs.

A Look Back At The Trades Of Dave Nonis | The LeafsNation
With the 2016-17 trade deadline fast approaching, I thought it might be fun to take a trip down memory lane for a retrospective on the trades of the previous management regime.

Toronto Maple Leafs Rumors: Leafs Still Want More - Editor In Leaf
According to Bob McKenzie, the Toronto Maple Leafs are still interested in making more deals before the 2017 trade deadline.

News Around the League

Report: Montreal possibly interested in Steve Ott, and would be a huge mistake - Eyes On The Prize
Marc Bergevin should say no to Steve Ott

Canadiens acquire forward Steve Ott - NHL.com
Marc Bergevin did not say no to Steve Ott

Deadline Philosophy 101: Eight tough questions for NHL GMs - DGB
As a fan, it’s easy to get hung up on the numbers – stats, standings, cap hits and more. But NHL GMs have even more than that to think about. Many of the questions they face don’t have easy answers, but they can determine the direction that a team takes at the deadline and beyond.

Blackhawks re-acquire defenseman Johnny Od``uya - Second City Hockey

The Hawks are sending Mark McNeill and a conditional pick to Dallas in return.

Rangers trade for Brendan Smith, send Buchnevich to AHL - Blueshirt Banter
The Rangers pull the trigger on another deadline deal that will cost them another second round pick.

Viktor Stalberg Trade: Four questions with Canes Country - Silver Seven
Canes Country senior writer Brett Finger answers some questions on Viktor Stalberg

David Desharnais traded to the Edmonton Oilers for Brandon Davidson - Eyes On The Prize
Marc Bergevin dealt the long-time Hab the day before the trade deadline.

Soooo, what the hell happened with Josh Ho-Sang’s first call-up? - Lighthouse Hockey
As soon as it started, it was over. The Islanders sent Josh Ho-Sang back to Bridgeport after practice while they boarded a plane to Dallas. But there may have been a method to their madness (for once).

Sharks acquire Jannik Hansen - Fear The Fin
Doug Wilson adds forward depth

From The Branches