If nothing else, Nazem Kadri is treating us to a smouldering look that should get your Wednesday mornings off to a good start.

As for me, I'll be seeing the Leafs take on the Caps on Sunday, and all I'm basically hoping for are some pretty plays from Rielly and Kadri, some Ovi magic, and for Phil Kessel to see my sign and say yes to my marriage proposal score a goal. It's too bad that the Leafs are already playing irrelevant hockey by the time they make it to my neck of the woods.

Leafs Links

Joffrey Lupul wants to stay with Maple Leafs amid trade rumours--Toronto Star

It would be sad to see him go, but we'd sure enjoy the view (of an improved cap situation)

What Leafs are on the block?-- The Leafs Nation

I'm holding my breath for a big trade. Do you think that's a bad idea?

Trade Talk

Sean Bergenheim traded to Minnesota, as Florida fulfills demand--Puck Daddy

Strong praise from the coach: "He was injured a lot, injured his whole career. When he was healthy, he played hard, he played well."

Jiri Sekac Trade: This is a bad trade, and there's no two ways about it--Eyes on the Prize

Berkshire is panning the trade.

Ducks add speed and scoring touch in acquiring rookie Sekac--Anaheim Calling

The view from Anaheim

Around the League

Analyzing the value of NHL draft picks-- Stephen Burtch

Luckily for the Leafs, the largest drop in value occurs between picks three and four (where I expect the Leafs to be)

Patrick Kane left the game with an upper body injury after crashing into the boards--Second City Hockey

You should probably watch the commerical him and Toews did for the Dell Streak every time his name comes up because it is one of the best things I have ever seen and I'm not exaggerating.

Nick Leddy signs 7-year, $38.5 million contract with New York Islanders--Lighthouse Hockey

Good move by the Islanders.

Analytics give Blackhawks an edge--ESPN The Magazine

A chat with Stan Bowman on the Hawks' use of analytics.

On Hockey Stats and Accessibility--High Heels and High Sticks

This post really resonated with me. People write articles about hockey for all kinds of reasons and for all kinds of audiences-- and I can certainly understand that not every post about hockey stats can be a "stats 101" type article. However, accessibility is an issue. Some people may never want to learn; others might be interested but can't figure out what the hell PDO stands for.

From The Branches