You wake up in the morning, check Twitter, and all the crazy things are taking place at once.

The Ottawa Senators took a lot of people by surprise in trading Mike Hoffman. Regardless of his talents as a player, the off-ice investigations lowered him on surrounding trade bait lists.

But it happened. Was it a good trade? It was for Doug Wilson and the San Jose Sharks, while Pierre Dorion gets the ‘Justifiable Fleece’ card. The Sharks were able to rid themselves of Mikkel Boedker’s $4 million cap hit and add some more offence to their roster. Or so we thought.

San Jose quickly flipped Hoffman and a 2018 seventh-round to the Florida Panthers for a fourth and fifth-round pick this year, as well as a second-round pick in 2019. Alright, we all caught up? Now the fun begins.

Dorion: LOL.

Boedker could work some magic with Matt Duchene. It’s definitely not the return they were hoping for when the Hoffman trade talks first picked up. If I remember correctly, the asking price originally included a first-round pick. Ottawa also asked the Flyers for Travis Sanheim and a future first when Ron Hextall inquired on Hoffman which was later rejected.

Safe to say Dorion didn’t learn his lesson.

Tallon: You might’ve goofed.

Ignoring the things Hoffman brings to the Panther’s lineup, we can’t ignore the elephant in the room. That being the Karlsson lawsuit. We also can’t ignore the fact that April Reimer, wife of James Reimer, started a campaign against cyberbullying in 2015 via website tweetsweet.ca.

Have to thank nafio for reminding us of that. If winning is more important, then that’s fine. However, we can all assume that “character”, “attitude”, and “locker room dynamic,” are fluff at this point.

Wilson: Thumbs up.

He was able to clear space and replenish some draft picks while being the middle man in a situation between co-divisional general managers. Not to mention the cap space is there if the Sharks want to make a run at John Tavares in free agency.

It’s nice to watch and enjoy the ‘decisions’ of other GMs. Honestly who’s next? Buffalo? Edmonton?! At this rate, Kyle Dubas should have Dorion and Peter Chiarelli’s numbers on speed dial.

In Case You Missed It

Does the Athletic really cover women’s hockey? - Pension Plan Puppets
The Athletic has a lot of things covered, but it appears the CWHL isn’t in their jurisdiction.

Kevin Papetti’s 2018 NHL draft rankings: June edition (#32-62) - Pension Plan Puppets
The Leafs could find some talent in the second round if they play their cards right.

Around the Hockey World

2018 NHL draft: Blackhawks ‘unlikely’ to trade No. 8 pick, but have discussed trading No. 27 pick, per report - Second City Hockey
Brandon Saad and No. 27 for Artemi Panarin.

Speaking of which

Please, John Tavares: come to Philadelphia - Broad Street Hockey
“No.”

Bracing for the annual Penguins summer trade - PensBurgh
If it’s the NHL draft, chances are it’s time for the Penguins to make a big trade

Rasmus Dahlin already making an impact off the ice for the Sabres - Die By The Blade
Are fans letting the hype impact their season ticket holder decisions?

This is What Hockey is About - Silver Seven
Words from a Sens fans. We salute you.

What Needs Should the Devils Attempt to Address at the Draft? - All About The Jersey
With the 2018 NHL Entry Draft now just a few days away, it’s time to take a look at what the prospects currently in the system have to offer the organization. This post will take stock of the prospect pool and identify what needs the Devils have prior to the draft.

Stars Could Be Quiet During Trade & Free Agency This Year - Defending Big D
By putting this out into the universe, general manager Jim Nill is totally now going to sign John Tavares, isn’t he?

Enjoy your Wednesday everyone. Be happy that the rest of the league is crazy, while the Leafs are not (for now).

From The Branches