Good morning Toronto Maple Leafs fans!

We're seeing a lot of action happening here at the old kitten ranch and our there in the hockey world. Let's look back at the news from the week...

The first five entries of this year's Top 25 came out:

Top 25 Under 25: #25, the 2020 Vegas 4th-Round Pick
Top 25 under 25: Jesper Lindgren arrives at #24
Top 25 Under 25: Toronto’s own 4th-round pick debuts at 23
Top 25 Under 25: Mac Hollowell is transitioning to pro at #22
Top 25 Under 25: Jeremy Bracco has fallen to #21

It was reported Auston Matthews  has been diagnosed with COVID-19:

Update: Maple Leafs respond to report Auston Matthews tests positive for COVID-19

The NHL and NHLPA have been working on their return to play plans:

Update: Sportsnet and TSN discuss NHL and NHLPA in “unprecedented” negotiation

While that was going on the federal government came out and said that they would allow an NHL hub city to be in Canada if local health authorities gave the OK:

Justin Trudeau opens the door to NHL hub cities in Canada

The Buffalo Sabres cleaned house and named Kevyn Adams as the newest General Manager:

Sabres announce firing of Botterill, hiring of Adams
Sabres Make Additional Front Office Cuts
Adams’ task list is long and complicated

Two-time Stanley Cup champion Dan Carcillo and former WHL player Garrett Taylor launched a class action lawsuit against the CHL over hazing incidents and abuse from their time in the league:

Dan Carcillo files proposed class-action lawsuit against CHL over hazing - TSN.ca
Carcillo's former teammates back up hazing and sexual assault allegations - TheHockeyNews

The Tampa Bay Lightning shut down their training faciliy:

Report: Tampa Bay Lightning temporarily closed to training because of a COVID-19 outrbreak

The CHL has announced their intentions to begin play in the fall:

Statement from OHL Commissioner David Branch regarding the upcoming season

Former Toronto Marlies coach Greg Gilbert was named head coach of the QMJHL Saint John Sea Dogs:

Sea Dogs name Greg Gilbert Head Coach

Coming up this week will be the 2020 Hockey Hall of Fame inductees, announced Wednesday at 4:30PM.

Looking ahead to eligible players for 2020 class - TSN.ca

More information about the NHL’s return to play should be coming.....or not:

Stu on Sports: Don't bet on the NHL playoffs ever getting started
Report: Rangers’ Lias Andersson staying in Sweden when NHL returns

There will be five more players announced for this years Top 25

T25U25: Who is on the eligibility list?

And knowing 2020 there will be a few curveballs thrown our way....

Enjoy your weekend!

From The Branches