“Why not?” Kyle Dubas demands.

“Because I like what I like.” Lou Lamoriello is as stubborn as ever.

The tension in Toronto Maple Leaf tower is high the day of the trade deadline. Even after the deadline has passed the Leafs General Manager and his assistant are not willing to yield an inch.

“Well I still think you’re wrong.” Kyle lets his frustration show.

“That’s why you’re my assistant kid,” Lou smiles wickedly. “Because you think, while I know. Now help me figure this out.”

“I already told you there’s nothing to figure out, you just have to practice.” Kyle sighs. “Okay, head out on an expedition, I’ll watch.”

“Should I eat first?” Lou asks.

“You should always eat.” Kyle states the obvious.

“What should I eat?” Lou asks.

“Whatever you want.” Kyle thinks before elaborating. “It all depends on the buff you want. I like to boost my defense, but just pick one you like. Once you get more comfortable you’ll start making custom platters, but it doesn’t really matter at this stage of the game.”

“Okay, I’ll eat the meat then, I like meat.” Lou enjoys the meal. “Okay now I’ll go on an expedition.”

“Great.” Kyle says. “But are you sure you want to use the Hunting Horn? It really is the worst weapon.”

“I told you I like it.” Lou spits. “It’s the only weapon without any combos to memorize. I can just button mash like back in the good old days.”

“Yeah, but if you’re not using the songs…” Kyle is interrupted.

“Just watch me work junior.” Lou focuses on the T.V. as the Ancient Forest loads.

For the next five minutes Kyle watches as Lou makes his way through the forest. Occasionally the younger man makes some observations but for the most part he watches. Finally Lou finds his prey, the terrible Anjanath. without delay Lou runs right up to the monster and smashes it in the tail with his horn.

“Hi!” Lou shouts with glee.”

The monster roars an ear piercing blast of sound. Stunned, Lou can only watch as the great beast picks him up in it’s jaws and throws him to the ground. Lou manages to land three solid hits on the beasts snout before being knocked over again. As he stands the Anjanath whips its tail around and just like that Lou is being carted back to his campsite.

“Fucking bullshit!” Lou shouts. “What in the fuck am I supposed to do against that?”

“For starters don’t just rush in.” Kyle says. “Just watch for a little bit, wait until it gets into a vulnerable spot. A great way to begin any hunt is with a mounting attack. Another thing, once you’ve taken a hit get out. Heal up before you get back into the fight. Anjanath is mean, but it’s attacks are obvious and he doesn’t recover well. Sharpen up and head back out there.”

“Okay.” Lou says, nodding his head, recognizing the value of the advice.

Toronto Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan walks into Lou’s office without knocking. He takes one look at Lou on the couch with his PS4 controller and grins.

“Sweet, Monster Hunter World.” Brendan sits beside Lou. “You kill Anjy yet?”