The New Jersey Devils are the first NHL team to start selling non-fungible tokens, presumably because the Devils’ front office decided that they really, really needed to be first at something, and this seemed novel enough that they could manage it if they jumped on the opportunity before most people had a chance to figure out what a non-fungible token actually is.

While I’m thoroughly disinterested in expanding my understanding of NFTs beyond the explanation provided in this text post, this business deal did let me read a statement from a NHL team president with my own two eyes that included the words “reality-based experiences”.

(What the hell other kinds of experiences are they having in New Jersey? Do I want to know? I probably don’t want to know.)

I eagerly await the Toronto Maple Leafs getting on this bandwagon, especially since our franchise player is already there. We should start thinking about what important moments in Maple Leafs history should be commemorated and sold for thousands of dollars. My vote is on this one, but I’m open to persuasion.

Also, if you’ve ever thought to yourself, “you know what, I wish I could read a newspaper article that includes both Auston Matthews and an eight-foot-tall hand-carved wooden statue of the Grinch”, then, man, do I have the story for you.

ICYMI

Maple Leafs put Hayley Wickenheiser and Danielle Goyette in charge of player development - Pension Plan Puppets
Darryl Belfry and his consultancy will have a big role to play too.

Maple Leafs favoured over Canadiens by how much? - Pension Plan Puppets
Leafs fans will probably not like these odds.

Playoff Preview Prognostications: we make guesses - Pension Plan Puppets
Who is going to win, and are we even going to watch that south of the border hockey.

Stuff We Didn’t Write

ESPN signs Leah Hextall in historic NHL play-by-play hire
While the exact number of games she will broadcast is not yet known, Hextall will be the first woman play-by-player to be a regular part of national NHL TV...

Riley Nash excited to finally make his Toronto Maple Leafs debut - TSN

Nikita Kucherov Is Back – Deal With It - The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated
The Tampa Bay Lightning superstar looked like his old self in Game 1, but a lot of hard work went into his return.

‘The Ultimate Teammate’: How T.J. Oshie Cemented His Caps Legacy - Japers' Rink
The 34-year-old’s leadership, energy and overall presence will be vital as Washington seeks a deep playoff run.

Pontus Holmberg crowned SHL Champion & Playoff MVP, Five Leafs World Championships bound

Canucks forward Jake Virtanen sued over alleged sexual assault | The Star
VANCOUVER - A civil lawsuit has been filed alleging that Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen sexually assaulted a young woman.

Sheldon Keefe on the Leafs vs. Habs rivalry: "This is as real as it gets now"

Kotkaniemi in grey: What a Canadiens lineup controversy reveals about priorities against the Leafs – The Athletic
Dominique Ducharme's wardrobe decisions and drills at Canadiens practice on the weekend showed what he hopes to do against the Maple Leafs.

Canadiens face mighty challenge in containing Auston Matthews - TSN

From The Branches