Good morning to all, especially Nikita Zaitsev. The 25-year old defender signed a seven-year contract through 2023-2024 yesterday, so let’s hope he is treating for breakfast. Auston Matthews will be 26 when this contract expires, and expect Zaitsev to be looked upon to help shutdown 52- year old Jaromir Jagr in the 2024 playoffs.

There was plenty of news from the Leafs yesterday, as Ben Smith signed a one-year deal, and Carl Grundstrom practiced with the Marlies. Around the NHL, the Washington Capitals will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in game four tonight, while the Edmonton Oilers host the Anaheim Ducks.

In Case You Missed It:

Toronto Maple Leafs sign Nikita Zaitsev to 7-year extension - Pension Plan Puppets
The ‘rookie’ defender will carry a $4.5 million cap hit.

Maple Leafs extend their first UFA: Ben Smith - Pension Plan Puppets
The centre played exactly 40 games for the Leafs this year. He will be eligible for the expansion draft.

Carl Grundström joins the Marlies for a practice - Pension Plan Puppets
After a good season with Frölunda, and good WJC for Sweden, Carl Grundström is on the ice in Toronto practicing with the Marlies. The next question becomes: will he play?

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect report: Adam Brooks returns to help Regina win - Pension Plan Puppets
The Regina Pats will take on Mathew Barzal and the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL Final.

Other News:

NHL draft 2017: What do you think the Flyers should do with the No. 2 pick? - Broad Street Hockey
The Flyers will likely take the remaining player of the Nolan vs. Nico battle, but who should they hope for?

2017 NHL Draft Profile: Red Wings in dire need for a defenseman like Juuso Valimaki - Winging It In Motown
The Red Wings are set to select 9th, which is far earlier than they are used to. Will they look to solve their defensive woes in the first round?

Hey Vegas, You Should Probably Sign Tyler Wong- The Bloggers’ Tribune

Wong scored 51 goals in 69 games with the Lethbridge Hurricanes this season, and appeared in three games with the 2015-2016 Toronto Marlies.

A Simple Look At Age In The NHL- The Bloggers’ Tribune

This article looks at age and the NHL, and this is a particularly interesting read following the Zaitsev extension.

Nothing about Chiefs’ Jaret Anderson-Dolan is ordinary - The Spokesman-Review

A player from the WHL and his story of making it in the league without a 'typical' family:

When Anderson-Dolan was going through the WHL bantam draft process, some teams told him and his family they would not take him because of his two mothers.

Enjoy the day!

From The Branches