With only a few days to go before the trade deadline passes, we’re starting to see the seals breaking. Some people were saying the holdup on more deals is teams waiting to see what, if any, of the biggest pieces — Mark Stone, Matt Duchene, and Artemi Panarin mostly — would be moved first.

Well...

The big trade of the day involved Matt Duchene being traded to Columbus for a package of prospects, one guaranteed first round pick in 2019, and a conditional first round pick in 2020 if Duchene re-signs with Columbus.

Reactions from our SB Nation cousins:

Columbus Blue Jackets Trade for Matt Duchene In Exchange for Vitaly Abramov, Jonathan Davidsson, and picks | by Jackets Cannon

Matt Duchene Traded to Columbus Blue Jackets | by Silver Sens

More on the Ottawa situation, as far as their other trade pieces:

The other trade involved Detroit’s Nick Jensen and a 5th round pick being traded to Washington (spits) for a prospect and a 2nd round pick. Jensen then promptly signed a 4 year, $10 million extension with Washington (spits).

Reactions from our SB Nation cousins:

Capitals Acquire Defenseman Nick Jensen from Detroit (UPDATED) | by Jasper’s Rink

Red Wings trade defenseman Nick Jensen to Capitals for 2nd round pick and Madison Bowey | by Winging it in Motown

ONTO THE LINKS!

The 5-Game Process: Recently at Chez Leafs, things seem dismal | by Katya

FanPost: You don’t have to be an optimist to try and enjoy yourself | by Zambulance

Leafs Musings: Toronto’s Trade Deadline Plans, Fixing the Power Play, and the Return of Rasmus Sandin | by Kevin Papetti at MLHS

Is William Nylander’s future with the Maple Leafs as a centre? (And what does that mean for Nazem Kadri?) | by Mirtle at The Athletic

With a day off, some of the Leafs players went to work out in the world, with Auston Matthews making an appearance at Sick Kids:

And Zach Hyman helping along an announcement:

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes’ celebrations are spreading to the players’ parents and there is nothing bad about this story so suck it Grapes.

GO LEAFS GO!

From The Branches