TGIF!

We are fully in the dog days of the summer. There is no news. I almost got excited about Michael Del Zotto getting a one-year league minimum contract from the Anaheim Ducks. Almost.

Let’s start with the news around Leafs Nation. It gets thin pretty quickly.

First, check out the Marlies 2019-20 schedule and a breakdown of it by me. The AHL is adapting their schedule to work better for what the league needs to work best for everyone and it’s great.


Breaking down the Marlies 2019-20 schedule


Sportsnet had an interview with Toronto AHL prospect Justin Brazeau. He’s the 6’6” guy who ripped apart the OHL in his final two seasons and is ready to take a big step forward after getting passed over in three NHL drafts.


Why the Maple Leafs are investing in Justin Brazeau


Our Lord and Saviour Paul Hendrick is in Berlin and having a heck of a time dunking on Toronto’s transit system and roads.

On his YouTube channel, former NHLer and NHL All Star Captain John Scott tells the story of his attack on Phil Kessel, from beginning to end. It was a moment that defined his career in this city, it re-ignited the rivalry between Buffalo and Toronto that carried through to the likes of Rasmus Ristolainen and Nazem Kadri, and it started the end of David Clarkson’s career. I wonder what his side of the story is.

Stepping back to the AHL, we all saw the very awkward fight between Ian and Stewart. The New York Times has the story in full.


Forgot to Sign Up for Minor League Hockey Alerts? You Missed Some Drama


Just in case you didn’t believe me, Michael Del Zotto did, in fact, get signed by the Ducks.

Also in super uninteresting contract news, Kappo Kakko has gotten his entry-level contract with the New York Rangers. That team terrifies me.

Finally, the Philadelphia Flyers shuffled their front office around a little bit. What do you think is going on here? I’m drawing a bit of a blank.