Two days ago Ilya Mikheyev and the Toronto Maple Leafs settled on terms for a new contract for the winger, narrowly avoiding arbitration.

Ilya Mikheyev and Maple Leafs settle on a new contract

Considering how few games he played during the COVID-shortened regular season (39) it’s amazing how quickly and completely he managed to win the hearts of Leafs fans. But between his off-ice comments and his on-ice play, manage to win us over he did.

In general, I don’t know who most players’ agents are, unless they’re someone who I have had cause to attempt to hex (for legal reasons, this is a joke and also definitely not about Darren Ferris). That said, I do want to give a shout out to Ilya Mikheyev’s agent. I both love and treasure the way he tweets about his clients, and truly appreciate all the work he’s done towards establishing Mikheyev’s brand in Canada.

Anyways, if you missed it, Campbell’s soup is doing a special GTA promo in celebration of Mikheyev’s contract signing.

And yes, all of this was just an excuse for me to provide an update on my favourite brand-deal ever.

ICYMI

European Report Glossary
No idea what’s going on in Europe? What the leagues are? Whether or not it’s even good if a Leafs prospect is playing in one of them? Then this is the article for you!

The post-draft prospect pool is overflowing
So many new boys all shiny with potential.

From the Branches

Mitch Marner on Maple Leafs’ off-season additions: ‘They believe in what we can do’
Some positive words from Mitch on his new teammates!

NHL offseason by the numbers: Which teams have improved the most (and least)?
Dom Luszczyszyn offers his complete analysis on the offseason.

The complete Maple Leafs prospect rankings, autumn 2020 edition
The Athletic ranks the Leafs current prospects.

How will Joe Thornton fit on the 2020–21 Toronto Maple Leafs?
Looking at how Jumbo Joe will fit into both the lineup and the ethos of the team.

And finally, a nice laugh to start your Thursday:

From The Branches