The boys are back in town (not our town, but a town nonetheless) after a hockey-less week (save for The Thrill, who dazzled during the All-Star break). How did you spend your Leafs-less week? Did absence make the heart grow fonder?

Leafs Links

Game Preview--Toronto Star

Changing Faces-- Jeffler

A look at some of the bad, terrible, and embarrassing decisions made by Dave Nonis

Which Maple Leafs do you want to see step forward in the final weeks of the season?-- Vintage Leaf Memories

Michael Langlois looks ahead to the rest of the season

Cody Franson to captain the Leafs in Phaneuf's absence--National Post

This probably won't settle the Leafs Team Leadership debates.

Why a Rebuild Will Be Difficult for the Maple Leafs--Sportsnet

Can we please stop talking about the post-game salute?

Around the League

Ratings Continue to Drop for NHL All-Star Game--Toronto Star

Those are some pretty substantial drops in viewership.

Brodeur Retires, Will Work for the Blues--New York Times

Lamoriello expects he will be with the Devils next season.

Mike Richards and the Downward Spiral--Puck Daddy

What happened?

Pittsburgh Penguins trade Marcel Goc to St. Louis for Max Lapierre--Pensburgh

The Penguins just got more annoying.

From The Branches