Dan’s Daily Links: Leafs Rift Dismissed, Top 10 UFAs, Ducks in the Rafters

Well, it didn’t take long for whispers of a rift in Toronto to emerge. Will Auston Matthews be upset if he isn’t named the captain, and John Tavares gets the “C”? It’s an interesting story to watch as Toronto head coach Mike Babcock is a “button pusher” and there was reported friction between Matthews and Babcock at the end of the season. There isn’t much of a story yet, and there may not be one. Also, some Ducks are headed to the rafters and there are free agents left.

On the Auston Matthews situation, his agent Bobby Orr says–No, those stories are “silly, wrong and not true.” For our Canadian readers and those who use a VPN, you can watch the short interview from TSN. (TSN).

It should be noted that it was TSN’s Darren Dreger who reported Matthews’ “annoyance” with Babcock. That story didn’t begin with rumor.

Sportsnet looks at the Top 10 UFAs still on the market. There are a couple LWs on the list. (Sportsnet).

The Anaheim Ducks of California, who would be in Calfornia, not Northern California or Southern California if the state votes to split into three new states, are retiring Paul Kariya’s and Scott Neidermeyer’s jerseys this season. (L.A. Times).

Your daily Erik Karlsson update. He’s golfing in Scotland with Nicklas Backstrom. (Russian Machine Never Breaks)

Scott Darling is trying to rebound from an awful season and perhaps save his career (News & Observer)

The Chicago Blogosphere is debating the merits of signing Chris Kunitz (Da Windy City).