It's that time of the year where NCAA players turn pro, and the Leafs are in on it. Last night they announced the signing of Luke Haymes from Dartmouth College and we have a write-up on him here with all you need to know about the center:

Maple Leafs Sign Luke Haymes
Toronto has signed one of the top NCAA free agents to a two-year contract.
PPP LeafsBrian S

Haymes' contract with the Leafs won't start until next season, however he can join the Marlies immediately on a try-out contract like John Prokop from Union College did last week.

Toronto to sign John Prokop
The NCAA defenceman will be on an ELC.
PPP LeafsCathy Squires

The Leafs are playing the Flyers tonight as they start through the final chapter of the NHL regular season. The broadcast is on TSN. We'll have our preview of tonight's game out after morning skate.

Other News

A new item in the No One Knows What Goaltender Interference is Anymore file, once again featuring a pissed off Patrick Roy. The Blue Jackets went on to win this game in a shootout.

Some changes in the world of Major Junior hockey.

WHL awards expansion franchise to Penticton Vees, launches franchise application process for Chilliwack - Western Hockey League
The Western Hockey League announced today the awarding of an expansion franchise to the Penticton Vees for the 2025-26 WHL season along with the initiation of a franchise application process for the City of Chilliwack, to begin play in the 2026-27 WHL season.
Western Hockey LeagueTaylor Rocca

Stats on special teams are all the rage right now.

Travis Yost: Special teams say a lot about this year’s Cup contenders | TSN
As the Stanley Cup Playoffs draw closer, Travis Yost takes a historical look at how special teams affect a team’s chances of making a deep run.
TSNTravis Yost

We could have a Kulemin on the Leafs again!

Son of former Maple Leafs forward is on a quest to play in the NHL. Next stop is the OHL Cup
The 16-year-old son of former Leafs forward Nikolay Kulemin will be in this week’s OHL Cup and could be playing his way into the first round of the OHL draft.
Toronto StarKen Campbell

I love gorgonzola, Metro sells a great smoked variety, though I would swap the broccoli here for the early asparagus once it comes to the stores in a few weeks.

Georgina Hayden’s recipe for charred gnocchi, purple sprouting broccoli and gorgonzola
Frying and grilling steers gnocchi away from their familiar doughiness and instead gives them a delicious, nutty edge
The GuardianGeorgina Hayden

Enjoy your Tuesday. See you in the GDT tonight.

From The Branches