The end of July is usually one of the worst times to be in the hockey blogging business. The free agents are signed, trade have happened, and vacations have begun. Player charity events happen, but not much goes on as your lovable bloggers strain themselves for something to get you to the minimum word count, and begin working on summer filler content.

As I barrel quickly towards making myself the story here, I have to send out thanks to the Maple Leafs for their quick moves yesterday to give us a PTO signing and a trade all in one day.

The PTO is goalie Michal Neuvirth, who announced it himself ahead of the official confirmation. I wonder if the Leafs were going to wait until closer to camp to make this announcement, but they were forced into it when Neuvirth spoke about it while training this summer.

Maple Leafs confirm Michal Neuvirth has a PTO

At dinner time - just like the last time they did this - the Leafs announced that goalie Garret Sparks was sent to the Vegas Golden Knights for David Clarkson and a fourth round pick.

Toronto Maple Leafs trade for David Clarkson

This caused a lot of brains to get tangled as we tried to figure out why this trade happened. Katya, as always, has you covered.

Maple Leafs, LTIR, David Clarkson and everything you need to understand this trade

Also Top 25 content came out!

Top 25 Under 25: Thirteen prospects go unanimously unranked

Also, non-Leafs stuff happened, but....whatever.

Andrew Copp won his arbitration hearing.

Andrew Copp awarded a two-year contract

Blueshirt Banter talk about their top draft pick.

Kaapo Kakko, Diabetes, and Celiac Disease

Oh, the Knights also re-signed the guy who should have been captain that first season.

Golden Knights sign Deryk Engelland to one-year contract, acquire Garret Sparks for David Clarkson’s contract

The Nordiques were the best team in Quebec at one time or another.

Franchise Best: 1984-85 Quebec Nordiques - Last Word on Hockey

Alright. What will the Leafs do today?

From The Branches