It was a very women’s hockey sort of day around PPP yesterday.

Dear Sami Jo and Chelsea... A look at CWHL draft-eligible defenders - Baseball Annie
In Part Two of our draft scouting series, we turn to the blueline.

Once the full draft list is set (mid-August), we’ll look at who’s likely to come to the GTA — more names were added to the list today and it’s looking quite promising for Furies and Thunder fans already.

CWHL News: Markham Thunder sign free agent Brooke Webster - nafio
The former Vanke Rays forward joins the Thunder for the 2018-19 season.

Here’s the Thunder’s newest player scoring against them last season on the power play

However the Webster acquisition wasn’t even the biggest CWHL news of the day:

Les Canadiennes acquire Olympians Jill Saulnier and Genevieve Lacasse - Eyes On The Prize
This is a blockbuster deal that makes “who’s on the Canadiennes’ top  nine” an even more fun game for Montreal fans. Unlike the Ambrose trade between Toronto and Montreal this past season, this was a more standard CWHL trade in that the Canadiennes only gave up “future considerations” to Calgary, although they did specify considerations could be players or draft picks, which is unusual.

Other hockey news

Growlers sign Marcus Power
The Newfoundland Growlers have signed St. John’s native Marcus Power to a one-year, ECHL contract.

Blackhawks deal Hossa to Coyotes in seven-player trade - Sportsnet.ca
The Chicago Blackhawks traded Marian Hossa and Vinnie Hinostroza to the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday, parting with a promising young forward in order to clear out a troublesome contract.

Jets sign G Hellebuyck to six-year, $37M deal - Article - TSN
The Winnipeg Jets have signed restricted free agent  to a six-year, $37 million contract.

Vrana brings Stanley Cup home to Prague
Jakub Vrana took his turn with the Stanley Cup on Wednesday, making history and memories in his hometown along the way

2018 Arbitration Schedule
From the NHLPA. Already a little out of date, and no Leafs involved, but here it is for those who are interested.

Hockey was ‘therapy’ for Ingrid Connors | Hockey | Sports | The Telegram
Connors died June 28 after a battle with cancer, and was buried wearing her favourite hockey jersey

And a reminder that it’s Friday the 13th, which means there’s only a week left to vote in the community Top 25 Under 25  and possibly win a Carlton bobblehead. Everyone needs a bobblehead to amuse themselves with on a slow Friday summer afternoon, right?

From The Branches