Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!

After an eventful game in Montréal, the Leafs and Canadiens have the Department of Player Safety some things to think about.

Neither of those were great, so what was the outcome?

For the collision between Patrik Laine and Cédric Paré no penalties in game, and nothing so far from DoPS, just an unfortunate collision in a hockey game.

For Arber Xhekaj, there was punishment supplemental punishment. Not much though.

$3,385.42 fine for repeatedly punching an unwilling opponent, and continuing while he's on the ground.

Weird, I thought George Parros hated players getting blindly hit in the head.

NHL suspends Maple Leafs’ Rielly 5 games for cross-checking the Senators’ Greig. NHLPA is appealing
Morgan Rielly has been suspended five games for cross-checking Ridly Greig in the final seconds of a game over the weekend.
AP NewsSTEPHEN WHYNO

Now, I'm not one to push conspiracy theories but it feels like retaliation is only bad when you're wearing blue...

Oh well. Where do I get these crazy ideas?

Moving on, we're coming to the end of training camp this week with two pre-season games against the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday (away) and Saturday (home) before opening the season against Montréal on Thursday the 9th.

More cute should be coming and we'll most likely hear the invitees to Toronto Marlies camp this week.

Prospect Sam McCue scored his first goal of the season for the Owen Sound Attack last night.

A cup ring in the Leafs room? Had to be a mistake.

What Steven Lorentz brings to the Maple Leafs besides a Stanley Cup ring
I’ve had to remind myself when trying to place Steven Lorentz into the…
TheLeafsNationJon Steitzer

I would love for the Leafs to have too many good goalies for once. Can we do that?

What Steven Lorentz brings to the Maple Leafs besides a Stanley Cup ring
I’ve had to remind myself when trying to place Steven Lorentz into the…
TheLeafsNationJon Steitzer

Kraft Hockeyville held a pre-season game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators last night. While Elliott Lake was the winner they didn't get that big ole' cheque in time to make it usable, so the game was moved to the classic Sudbury Arena.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby made the extra effort to keep the fans happy.

The real question is: Which team got to have the wolf fly across the rink when they scored?

Hey, they never gave me a code. Rude.

NHL 25 Review: Gameplay Impressions, Videos, Modes and Top Features
A year after implementing some major gameplay improvements, NHL 25 from developer EA Vancouver is the first in the series to appear only on next-generation…
Bleacher ReportChris Roling

Franchise mode was NMC / NTCs now so I'm excited for that.

I am not prepared though.

QUIZ: Are you ready for hockey season?
The National Hockey League begins its regular season in October.
The Chilliwack ProgressJohn Arendt

Changes to the IIHF and how world championships will be played.

IIHF Revamps Women’s World Championship Roster and Format
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has announced significant changes to the women’s world hockey championships, increasing roster sizes to 22 skat
BVM SportsBVM Sportsdesk

Finally, Mexico is looking to improve their hockey program, and are looking to Canada and elsewhere for help.

Mario Hernandez’s excellent Mexican hockey adventure
St. Pat’s student in the running to crack country’s U18 men’s national team squad
NNSL MediaJames McCarthy

Enjoy your day everyone!

From The Branches