Today is the day.

John Tavares returns to Nassau Coliseum to take on the New York Islanders, and he may or may not wear his pyjamas underneath his equipment. The Leafs will also get to see Leo Komarov and Matt Martin, and there’s little doubt that both team’s have had this game circled on their calendar for quite some time now. Garret Sparks is expected to start for Toronto.

Without further ado, here are today’s links:

In Case You Missed It

Jake Gardiner is out week-to-week- Katya Knappe

It looks like we will be seeing a lot more of Igor Ozhiganov. Let’s just hope that Jake is 100% come playoff time.

Early Thoughts on the NHL Trade Deadline- Kevin Papetti

I shared my thoughts on the Trade Deadline here. I am very happy that the Lightning and Bruins did not get Stone or Panarin.

Two things the Leafs didn’t do at the deadline- Arvind

The Leafs could have been playing against Connor Brown last night. Arvind shared his thoughts on the trade deadline here.

Who is Nic Petan?- ElSeldo

Was he ever good at the World Juniors.

Women’s Hockey Wednesday: It’s playoff time!- Nafio and Baseball Annie

The CWHL playoff picture is set, and the NWHL and NCAA are shaping up.

From The Branches

Trade Deadline Aftermath: How the contenders stack up in the Stanley Cup race- Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic

This is behind a paywall, but it provides a great post-trade deadline power ranking.

The Eastern Conference landscape after the trade deadline- Scott Maxwell, The Leafs Nation

Another look at how each contender stacks up after the trade deadline. This article focuses specifically on the East.

Quiet Deadline Day A Wise Choice For The Leafs- That’s Kappy, The Leafs Nation

Sometimes less is more.

Have a good day.

From The Branches