When humanity is threatened only the super powered might of the Toronto Maple Leafs can be counted on to save the day. The Leafs have undergone a major overhaul this year. Of all the changes, none has been more impactful than the addition of a squadron based tactical deployment that head coach Mike Babcock and GM Kyle Dubas designed to keep the peace on the mean Toronto streets. Today we follow Damasque squad: the defense

Morgan Rielly smiles and leans back in his chair. The Toronto Maple Leaf defenceman is one of the only players who is regularly in the control room near the top of Toronto Maple Leaf tower. His technopathic super power makes him an invaluable asset to the Leafs superhero activities. Morgan can access and control any digital device within a ten foot radius. If that device is connected to the internet then so is Morgan. He doesn’t often surf the web directly, but when he does the experience is staggering in its awesomeness. Morgan is everywhere, he is everything, yet at the same time his mind is intensely aware of how small it is in comparison to the vast untamed wilderness that is the internet. Yet for all his interconnectivity, Morgan is still paying attention to what’s going on in the control room. He is on a mission for his squad.

“What have you got for me?” Kyle Dubas asks. The Toronto Maple Leafs GM is usually calm but this case has him more anxious than normal.

“Forty-seven street poutine vendors have a licence in our target area.” Morgan answers. “ I’ve narrowed the list down to those who’ve had been operating for over a decade. Who ever it is, they’re on that list.

A killer stalks the Montreal streets, a killer who has been at work for at least a decade. A killer who finally stuck their nose out a bit too far. Kyle plans on catching them tonight. Toronto Maple Leaf head coach Mike Babcock has a different problem. His boss has questions that Mike is not yet ready to answer.

Brendan Shanahan draws the attention of all the control room staff without even trying. His mere presence is enough to make most people recoil in awe. It takes some getting used to. Mike is one of the few people on Earth who can face Brendan and not wither, but it’s not easy.

“Status update, Mike” Brendan asks. He arches an eyebrow and waits.

Mike chews his lip. “Not much of a change Brendan.” He answers. “The goalies are still sitting in the basement, chanting or something. I guess whenever they’re finished their ritual we’ll know who the backup is. Our defence hasn’t been surprising yet, which is a little bit disappointing I guess, but only if you think that way. Our forwards are great. I have more players then I have spots, but I still want Wily. All in all we’re right where I thought we’d be, ready to get going for real.”

Brendan senses that Mike wants to say more so he waits.

“I think I might move Kadri to the second power play unit. Not sure though.” Mike finally admits. He hates being indecisive, but refuses to hide from it when he is.

“That’s your choice to make Mike.” Brendan smiles. He turns and is surprised to find Haley Wickenhieser standing behind him. “Hayley, how are you?”

“I’m okay, sensei.” Hayley responds with a shrug.

“I told you to stop calling me that. You are at least as great as I am, if not greater.” Brendan is sincere in his admiration for the living legend.

“You honour me sensei.” Hayley bows. “But you have lifted the cup, something I will never do.”

“Never say never.” Brendan says.

Hayley straightens and the gleam in her eye is plain to see.

“I found him!” Kyle jumps up from his chair. “North east corner of Guy street and Rene-Levesque boulevard.”

“I can go.” Hayley is ready for action immediately.

“No need.” Kyle says. “Ron and Calle are nearby, Price is with them.”

They all watch on Kyle’s monitor as Ron Hainsey, Calle Rosen and Carey Price approach a poutine vendor. Ron has no superpowers, but he has lots of guns so it’s pretty much the same thing. Calle doesn’t get involved in any discernible way but he uses his psychic ability to harass and distract. It is the Montreal Canadiens star who is the most terrible to behold. With a wave of his hand the simple street vendor is revealed as an inhuman chimera monster. With a snap of Carey’s fingers chains of black magic lash out and hold the beast to the ground. The monster writhes as one of the most powerful wizards in the world reads its twisted mind. Carey shudders and says something. Ron unloads a thirty round clip into the beasts head, making it a paste. Carey casts another spell and the body is dragged into the street by ghostly hands.

Three hours later Morgan returns to his squad, his whole squad. The Toronto Maple Leaf defense sent Morgan into the control center to find out who had made the final cut. They have been waiting to hear his report all night, even while hunting for a serial killer. There are only so many spots on the squad and they are precious. Staring out at the group of eager faces, a part of him wishes they could all stay, but that’s not how it works.

“He said he’s not surprised, whatever that means.” Morgan doesn’t know.

Nobody but Mike knows and all the rest of us can do is watch.