Hi Brad, we haven't talked much. I didn't like you at first, but I've come around in recent months. In the spirit of collaboration, could I ask you to put a waiver claim in for Akil Thomas? I'm certain you won't regret it.

First pair defender for his WHL team, Noah Chadwick, has already scored this season. I had him and Minten really high in my Top 25 Under 25 ballot with the expectations of big seasons from the both. So far, so good!

Artur Akhtyamov has been consistently very good in the KHL.

I'm not saying there's a chance these two could be roommates this season, but they've been making it really hard for the Leafs to break them up before the end of training camp.

Canucks prospect Vasily Podkolzin, who was touted as their depth scoring saviour, has been sent back to the AHL. Many were speculating in the summer that this situation could end in a trade. I have a question for the Canucks, what do they think of Nick Robertson?

He'll get points on the power play and from all the offensive zone shifts Chicago can muster, but I'm really not seeing all the hype and marketing. I'm sure it'll come, but so far it's embarrassing. He couldn't even beat the rainbow goalie glove side!

From The Branches