We’ve reached another offseason milestone. 31 players are going to find out what team they are going to start their NHL careers with tonight. Rasmus Dahlin is a no-brain selection for the Buffalo Sabres, and the Carolina Hurricanes have already announced that Andrei Svechnikov is their guy. The NHL Draft really starts at number 3 where the Montreal Canadiens can do what many expect OR do what many expect (optimism isn’t a strong force there).

But let’s be honest, the most important number that night will be 25. The Leafs earned the right to draft in the middle of the 20’s with a historic 105-point season, in combination with, a first-round exit. The history of players taken at that position doesn’t move the needle, besides David Pastrnak, but who knows what Kyle Dubas and his newly formed team will do?

Does a rehash of last year take place where a Timothy Liljegren-esk talent falls? Do the Leafs even stay at 25, or do they trade up or down?

A replay of the 2015 Draft may be in the realm of possibility as well. The Leafs had the 24th overall pick and trade down to get two seconds. Those turned into corn row sporting, speedo wearing, Travis Dermott and Jeremey Bracco. Not a bad move if you ask me.

It’ll be interesting to see if the Leafs are one of the more boring teams on the floor tonight. Dubas could dip his toe into the insanity that are the other Canadian management groups, but odds are a player is taken, and they move on with their business. Unless that’s what they want us to think.

In Case You Missed It

Miro Aaltonen Returning To KHL For Next Season - Pension Plan Puppets
The Marlies centre has elected to head back overseas.

Maple Leafs release their regular season schedule for 2018-2019 - Pension Plan Puppets
It has 82 games in it. I counted.

Maple Leafs prospects to play in Laval this fall in Rookie Showcase - Pension Plan Puppets
The Rookie Showcase is moving out of London and into the new arena in Laval.

What is the Leafs pre-draft cap situation? - Pension Plan Puppets
With the potential for trades in the coming days, let’s check the Leafs cap space. What is their purchasing power?

Around the Hockey World

Blackhawks expect Crawford to ready for training camp - Second City Hockey
Chicago GM Stan Bowman provides no real update on his starting goaltender’s health status.

In Gostisbehere, there could be a Norris Trophy winner in Philly sooner than we think - Broad Street Hockey
The PHWA is paying attention to Shayne Gostisbehere.

Barry Trotz named Islanders head coach - Lighthouse Hockey
Official announcement puts the reigning Stanley Cup winner behind New York’s bench.

Reviewing Shero’s Devilish Draft Day Deals - All About The Jersey
Looking back at Ray Shero’s previous draft day deals (plus one additional amazing trade of his) as we march towards the NHL draft.

Barzal gets a haircut after getting new boss Lamoriello | Toronto Sun
'Lou's Rules', ACTIVATE!

Oilers Assign Eric Gryba For Purpose Of A Buyout - The Copper & Blue
Let the good times roll Pete. Let. It. Roll.

Enjoy your Friday Leafs fans and most importantly, enjoy the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft.

From The Branches