As we move officially into “late summer” everyone (except the NHLers) is getting ready for the Olympics. At publishing time the puck is about to drop on what should be an interesting first of two friendlies between notorious hot mess Sweden and the up and coming host team South Korea. (The women’s teams, naturally. Look who’s writing this FTB after all). The second game takes place at 2 am Eastern on Saturday. If South Korea can manage to hold their ground, or even win one, we’ll know the Olympics are going to be very interesting indeed.

ICYMI

Forget the number on Connor Brown’s contract, what’s the number on his back going to be? - Pension Plan Puppets
It seems like Connor Brown’s number 12 has officially been pinched by the new guy.

Top 25 under 25: The case for J.J. Piccinich - Pension Plan Puppets
The last case for a player who just missed the top 25 is coming at 8:00 - meanwhile have a look back at Species’ argument for JJ Piccinich.

Mailbag: Auston Matthews, Superstar Ninja Turtle - Pension Plan Puppets
Your standard — but never boring — mailbag from Fulemin.

Patrick Marleau signing is a win for all parties involved - Pension Plan Puppets
PPP welcomes a new face to the masthead! Janik has some words of wisdom about the Marleau contract

Around the League

Probably  the biggest news of the day yesterday was that Andrei Markov would not be returning to the Habs. EOTP has notes from his press conference and some analysis on what this means for the team going forward.

Islanders Arena Dreams: Belmont RFP Expected Monday - Lighthouse Hockey
Escaping Barclays Center will be a long process.

Top 25 Under 25, #4: You don’t appreciate Vladislav Namestnikov enough — yes, you specifically - Raw Charge
Friend of the blog @loserpoints with a much-admired post over at Raw Charge

Top 10 photos of Claude Giroux from the 2016-2017 season - Broad Street Hockey
Okay I freely admit this one is is mostly for Annie.

Other stuff

Colorado Select - One of the Best Girls’ Hockey Programs - Mile High Hockey
I’m not encouraging anyone to comment over there but certainly Taylor’s piece is worth a read.

Hockey Canada announces Summer Showcase rosters - The Ice Garden
Furies alumna Kori Cheverie and current star Emily Fulton make their Hockey Canada coaching debuts. And for those looking to see who might turn up in the CWHL for the 2018-19 season, check out the 1996 birthdays on the development team roster.

Exactly what would be involved in designing hockey equipment?

From The Branches