The big trade is done and it’s time to move on. That’s not going to be easy. Goodbyes never are.

Nazem Kadri has been with us a long time. Yesterday he posted on Instagram his best wishes to the fans.

We have a proper tribute for Naz in the works.

In the meantine, there’s not much more news coming out from the Maple Leafs. We’re still waiting to hear about how Cody Ceci and the Leafs will come to a contract, whether through arbitration, or through a regular deal they hammer out together.

Alexander Kerfoot still needs a contract too.

There’s also that whole Mitchell Marner thing which I’m sure at this point is the last thing you want to hear about!

ICYMI
Here’s what we wrote about yesterday.

Back to Excited Episode 67: Kadri for Barrie and Kerfoot Reaction - Avind and Flemin
We discuss the big deal, and all the small ones.

What’s wrong with the Maple Leafs Kadri-Barrie deal? - Katya
This isn’t a both sides view, this is just the contrarian take.

Other News

Artemi Panarin is getting ALL THE BONUS MONIES!

Former Kings coach Darryl Sutter to join Anaheim Ducks as advisor - Anaheim Calling
I'm sure Dallas Eakins is thrilled to have both Randy Carlyle and Darryl Sutter as "special advisors".

A silver lining for the Vancouver Canucks with the Myers signing - Nucks Misconduct
Analytics guys would tell you that Tyler Myers is a bottom-pairing defenceman, but there’s one under-discussed caveat regarding the hulking rearguard.

Carolina Hurricanes serve notice to NHL by matching Aho offer sheet - Canes Country
In short: the offer sheet was a waste of time, Sebastian Aho wants to be in Raleigh, and agent Gerry Johannson won’t be joining Dundon and Waddell on the golf course anytime soon.

Vesey not to blame for Sabres’ ill-advised gamble in 2016 - Die By The Blade
With Jimmy Vesey now back in the Sabres organization following yesterday’s trade, fans shouldn’t hold a grudge over him for choosing New York over Buffalo three years ago.

Coyotes re-sign forward Lawson Crouse to a 3 year, $4.6 million deal - Five For Howling
The Coyotes have locked up their major restricted free agent for three years.

Evaluating Nordic Drafting – A Potential Market Inefficiency - Hockey Graphs
Despite their recent success at the international level, Nordic players are picked later and less frequently than their North American counterparts.

The Caps might’ve fixed their biggest weakness. Did they create another? - Japers' Rink
The Capitals got better defensively, but did they give up scoring?

Nazem Kadri is exactly what the Colorado Avalanche needed - Mile High Hockey
The Avalanche have found the 2C they’ve desired, but it came at a steep price.

From The Branches