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Expect the Toronto Maple Leafs to name Auston Matthews captain on Wednesday. This is part of the evolution of Matthews as a leader and current Maple Leafs captain John Tavares fully supports the change. Tavares has been heavily involved in the process with GM Brad Treliving.

Henrique returns to Edmonton on two year deal at $3 mil per. He was offered more by other clubs. Edmonton circled back and closed.

Big news from the CHL and USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. Shortly, the creation of the CHL / USA Prospects challenge will be announced. A 2 game series featuring top NHL Draft eligible Canadian players vs top US players from the NTDP. Details to follow.

Day two of the Draft . Keeping an eye on the Utah Hockey Club as it’s believed they have a significant trade in the hopper.

1st ‘25 David Edstrom (VGK 1st in 23) Hertl at $6.75 (17% retained) 3rd in 25 3rd in 27

Trade coming.

Jani Hakanpaa to the Maple Leafs

Will be interesting to see if Hughes is able to work more magic. He’s hoping to add another top 10 pick and is listening to interest in moving up or slightly down from 5. He’s also involved in a number of player related discussions.

It was believed it would be an either/or for the Leafs in negotiations with Domi and Bertuzzi. However, with Domi locked down, Toronto continues to negotiate with Tyler Bertuzzi.

Acquiring Tanev’s rights from Dallas gives Toronto the option of going to max 8 year term. Sounds crazy, but a longer team helps lure players from more tax friendly markets and lowers the AAV. Tanev is likely to sign in 5-8 yr range.

Patrik Laine helped off the ice in Montreal. Left knee clearly injured.

4 year extension for Jake Middleton in Minnesota. Aav of $4.35 million.

Many predicted this would happen, but seemed unlikely earlier this week based on respect for Bannister’s work.

Leafs acquire Chris Tanev rights from Dallas.

Expect the Toronto Maple Leafs to name Auston Matthews captain on Wednesday. This is part of the evolution of Matthews as a leader and current Maple Leafs captain John Tavares fully supports the change. Tavares has been heavily involved in the process with GM Brad Treliving.

Acquiring Tanev’s rights from Dallas gives Toronto the option of going to max 8 year term. Sounds crazy, but a longer team helps lure players from more tax friendly markets and lowers the AAV. Tanev is likely to sign in 5-8 yr range.

1st ‘25 David Edstrom (VGK 1st in 23) Hertl at $6.75 (17% retained) 3rd in 25 3rd in 27

Jani Hakanpaa to the Maple Leafs

Day two of the Draft . Keeping an eye on the Utah Hockey Club as it’s believed they have a significant trade in the hopper.

Patrik Laine helped off the ice in Montreal. Left knee clearly injured.

Will be interesting to see if Hughes is able to work more magic. He’s hoping to add another top 10 pick and is listening to interest in moving up or slightly down from 5. He’s also involved in a number of player related discussions.

Teams are calling the Flames with interest in Nazem Kadri, however Calgary isn’t in a full tear down. They’re trying to reset their roster and Kadri is a big part of that. He also has a No Move and likes Calgary.

Trade coming.

Henrique returns to Edmonton on two year deal at $3 mil per. He was offered more by other clubs. Edmonton circled back and closed.

It was believed it would be an either/or for the Leafs in negotiations with Domi and Bertuzzi. However, with Domi locked down, Toronto continues to negotiate with Tyler Bertuzzi.

Toronto is positioned to strengthen their blueline. Some creative negotiating is required, but Zadorov and OEL remain prime targets in addition to Tanev.

Joel Edmundson very likely to end up in LA. 4 years, $3.85 mil. Was almost in Boston, Utah and St Louis

Big news from the CHL and USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. Shortly, the creation of the CHL / USA Prospects challenge will be announced. A 2 game series featuring top NHL Draft eligible Canadian players vs top US players from the NTDP. Details to follow.