I hope all our Canadian readers had a nice long weekend (unless you work in Quebec!). It’s the middle of summer with about one month left until the hockey world starts ramping up again, and we hear about rookie showcase tournaments and pre-season games. Until then we have a few weeks of downtime.

I’ll be honest here, folks. It’s going to get tough to find things to write about.

One thing to look forward to each day is our Top 25 Under 25, which resumes today with number 20. He’s the first of the 2018 picks by the Maple Leafs at the 2018 NHL Draft to make it on the list.

It’s Semyon Der-Arguchintsev!

One major bit of news we are awaiting is the William Nylander contract. We’ll jump on that whenever it happens, but until then, check out some more news below.

Other News

Hat Trick Retrospective: Stamkos against Canadiens - Raw Charge
[Species: Who doesn't like seeing the Habs totally humilliated, losing 7-1 in this game where Steven Stamkos picked up a hat trick.]

Bruins may or may not be bringing in German forward Marcel Noebels - Stanley Cup of Chowder
The Tonisvorst native will be at camp, but will he leave with a contract? Or will he be there at all?

Provorov built on a solid rookie season and the sky is the limit - Broad Street Hockey
Ivan Provorov broke out with 17 goals while anchoring the Flyers’ top pairing in 2017-18.

What did the Hurricanes Get for their Star? - Canes Country
The Hurricanes get a number of assets in Cliff Pu and three draft picks for Jeff Skinner.

Gibson Deal a Major Win for Ducks - Anaheim Calling
While not without some risk, Anaheim keeps its franchise goaltender John Gibson locked up on a deal with a $6.4M AAV.

This is fun, eh? The KHL has adopted a new IIHF rule that allows any memeber of a team to take a penalty shot. If the NHL adopted this rule, and you were Mike Babcock, who would you send out to take a penalty shot? Provide your backup option too in case your first choice is injured and not playing.

From The Branches