Wednesday FTB: Now it's November when it matters

Welcome to November, everyone. The Leafs go to Sweden, the Americans play too much football, and people make nonsense out of cause and effect by announcing you have to be in a playoff position by American Thanksgiving or you're doomed.

Relive last night's game in the recap, which I'm confident you can find on the front page.

News:

#NHLBruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has been suspended for four (4) games for his hit on OEL.

McAvoy forfeit $197,916.68 as a result of his suspension. https://t.co/vvRWQ9MyHb
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) October 31, 2023

Oh no. That's really too bad.

The Toronto Whatevers signed a draft pick:

Maggie Connors is the first Draftee to sign with @PWHL_Toronto and is ready to run the 6ix for the next ✌️ years!

Track signings live:
📰 https://t.co/vBFC2wZxhm pic.twitter.com/xNbpfPcogK
— PWHL (@thepwhlofficial) October 31, 2023

The rookies got to go out on dad's dime:

Fraser Minten (right), part of the Leafs rookie night in Nashville. Full 🤠 getup with John Tavares & Matthew Knies. Tradition is for rookies to pay for the dinner but I’m told the Leafs told Fraser to keep his wallet at the hotel. Leafs have a strong team dynamic of inclusion. pic.twitter.com/s4akEL0Q81
— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) October 30, 2023

Who had October 31 in the pool?

Noteworthy change on the Leafs third power play tonight: Morgan Rielly replaced John Klingberg on the No. 1 unit.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) November 1, 2023

Paul Stastny has decided to retire after 17 NHL seasons. But I suspect it’s not the last we’ve seen of him in hockey. My interview with Stastny for ⁦@TheAthletic⁩ ⤵️ https://t.co/fxrrL1wS68
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 31, 2023

Does it not seem like this guy has more he could offer the right team?

In other news, it's been reported that both the NHL and the NHLPA are interested in doing more to promote the use of protective equipment. So we'll see if anything comes of this.

Happy Wednesday, everyone. The Leafs are walking to Boston towing their equipment bags as they think about what they've done while you get to count up leftover chocolate and/or figure out how much to steal from your kids. Or go buy some on sale!

From The Branches