Welcome to the PHT Morning Skate, a collection of links from around the hockey world. Have a link you want to submit? Email us at phtblog@nbcsports.com.
• A forecast of what’s to come from Connor McDavid this coming season. Hint: Points. Many of them. (Copper and Blue)
• Because the Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t become enough of a juggernaut this summer, perhaps they should trade for Artemi Panarin, just to rub it in. (Maple Leafs Nation)
• With the possibility that Ryan Kesler missing the whole season, Ducks general manager Bob Murray says he’s confident Patrick Eaves will play a full season this year. (OC Register)
• In Detroit, a commitment to the kids playing over their veteran counterparts is on the horizon. (Detroit Free Press)
• Casey Mittelstadt is ready to take the next step with the Buffalo Sabres. (NHL.com)
• The New York Islanders have a contingency plan should their new home in Belmont Park not be ready on time. (IslandersPointBlank)
• Making sense of Lou Lamoriello’s bottom-six makeover on Long Island. (Elite Sports NY)
• Summer is slow, so here’s a look at whether teams have more success counterattacking at home or not. (TSN.ca)
• On the long, difficult and ultimately unknown path to the NHL for goalies. (Chicago Tribune)
• Jayna Hefford, Canada’s five-time Olympian and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, is now the interim commissioner of the CWHL. (The Ice Garden)
• Staying with women’s hockey, more teams are coming to the Olympics. (IIHF)
• Willie O’Ree’s hockey tree grows another branch with Ayodele Adeniye’s rise. (The Color of Hockey)
• The Pittsburgh Penguins have a glut of forwards after signing Derek Grant. (Pensburgh)
• A case for Freddie Gaudreau’s permanent spot on the Nashville Predators roster. (On the Forecheck)
• A look at which of the Calder Cup-winning Toronto Marlies will get their shot with the Maple Leafs next season. (The Sin Bin)
• Shootouts were ousted from NCAA hockey not long ago. Now, not long after that happened, they’re back. (College Hockey News)
• Flush with goaltenders in the system, Anthony Stolarz could be the man with the short straw this coming year. (Sons of Penn)
• Torey Krug. Should the Boston Bruins trade their defenseman or keep him? (The Puck Authority)
• Notorious former Edmonton Oilers owner Peter Pocklington is launching a pot company. (CBC.ca)
• Here’s what’s behind the uncertain future of Canes play-by-play radio announcer Chuck Kaiton. (The News & Observer)
• And for those who’ve had enough of reading and want to see how hitting is changing in NHL 19, a gift:
Scott Billeck is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @scottbilleck