Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!

Happy Fourth of July to our American readers, and happy Thursday to the rest!

The big moves have been made, people are scattering to the winds, so let's get some bits and bites of news and then join them.

You always love a good hockey player acting moment.

Maple Leafs development camp is underway, and players are bonding.

The Anaheim Ducks are celebrating their new draft pick with his own t-shirt.

The Seattle Kraken have made history with their new coaching hire.

Jessica Campbell becomes NHL’s first female coach after being hired by Kraken
Jessica Campbell will become the first woman to work on the bench of an NHL franchise after the Seattle Kraken hired her as an assistant coach Wednesday.
Sportsnet| July 3, 2024, 2:05 PM

The Maple Leafs have announced an affiliation with the ECHL Cincinnati Cyclones, replacing the hole the Newfoundland Growlers left.

NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs affiliate with ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones
The Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to an affiliation with the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones beginning next season.
Yahoo SportsThe Canadian Press

Hayley Wickenheiser talked about day one of development camp.

Hayley Wickenheiser on Easton Cowan’s NHL readiness: “He’s going to make a push... He’s very close”
After the first full-team on-ice session at 2024 Development Camp, Assistant GM Hayley Wickenheiser discussed the progress of Fraser Minten and Easton Cowan, her first impressions of 2024 first-round pick Ben Danford, and much more. –> 2024 Development Camp Roster What is your focus with all of the young players? What do you hope they […]
Maple Leafs HotstoveMLHS Staff

There are some big shoes to fill when it comes to naming new captains.

Who should wear the ‘C’ for NHL’s six captain-less clubs?
There are six NHL clubs currently without a captain. Here’s a look at who would be the best candidates to fill them.
Sportsnet| July 3, 2024, 12:43 PM

The Oilers seem popular. Too bad it won't work out.

‘Everyone wants to be there’: Hockey world picks Edmonton Oilers as a ‘winner’ of NHL free agency
‘Everyone wants to be there’: Hockey world picks Edmonton Oilers as a ‘winner’ of NHL free agency
Edmonton JournalDavid Staples

Finally, the new goaltending duo will push each other, but also be supportive. Friendly competition makes the team better.

New Leaf Anthony Stolarz on the opportunity in Toronto: “In Florida, I knew my role as a backup... Now, [Joseph Woll] and I are competing for starts... As a goalie, that’s all you can ask for”
After signing a two-year, $2.5 million AAV contract with the Maple Leafs, goaltender Anthony Stolarz discussed his decision to sign in Toronto and the whirlwind turnaround from winning the Cup in Florida to joining Toronto in free agency. Can you walk us through the highs of winning the Cup and the parade, followed by the […]
Maple Leafs HotstoveMLHS Staff

Enjoy your day everyone!

From The Branches