It's a news desert out there. With Matt Murray preempetively placed on indefinite injured reserve, and thus Ilya Samsonov apparently becoming the new starting goalie for next season with his shiny new arbitrator-imposed contract, it's probably going to be quiet for a time in Maple Leafs land.

But enter our traditional August spectacular, the Maple Leafs Top 25 Under 25! While we are busy voting on the official list, you can have your say too.

"What," you say, "another election?!" Yes, we are all tired of elections here in Toronto, but this one is actually fun, and very important! Details about the Top 25 Under 25 Community Vote are here:

T25U25: Community Vote
It’s your turn to vote!
Cathy SquiresPPP Leafs

Other News

There were two notable signings by other teams yesterday, including one down the 401.

Instant Analysis: Ottawa Senators Sign Vladimir Tarasenko
The Sens came to terms on a 1 year, $5M contract with the veteran sniper on Thursday evening to help bolster their top six.
nkbSilver Seven
Coyotes sign Logan Cooley to 3-year ELC
The Arizona Coyotes have surprised the hockey world today, signing the third-overall pick in 2022 Logan Cooley to a three-year entry level contract. Welcome to the Desert, Logan! 🌵 The Arizona Coyotes have signed forward Logan Cooley to a 3-year entry-level contract. #PackLove Full details: http…
Carl PavlockFive For Howling

Here's a story on a Japanese-Canadian hockey player, born in a Canadian WWII internment camp, as told by his surviving family members after his recent passing earlier this month.

Trailblazing hockey player Mel Wakabayashi remembered as ‘someone to look up to’ | CBC News
Mel Wakabayashi, who passed away earlier this month at 80, is being a called a trailblazer and a Japanese hockey giant.
CBC

Enjoy your Friday! Somehow, it will still only be July on Monday. It's going to be a long summer, folks! Since we're entering peach season, here's a seasonal favourite of mine.

Peach pico de gallo
For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been obsessed with making sausages. It’s my final lesson to learn in my Goldee’s barbecue education, and while I’m not a stranger to the process, it had been
Lisa FainHomesick Texan
From The Branches