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.
• Mark Stone wants $9M and the Ottawa Senators are seeking a $5M deal. So naturally the arbitrator will probably split it in half. [Silver Seven Sens]
• “The criminal investigation into Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson started after a witness saw the athlete “swat” his girlfriend outside a gas station and block her from getting out of their Jaguar SUV, newly released police reports show.” [Tennessean]
• Rod Brind’Amour on the talk may have to have with Justin Faulk and Jeff Skinner if they’re not traded from the Carolina Hurricanes: “That will be one of the first things I talk about with both of them when they get back into town. It’s something that most guys are going to deal with during their careers. But it’s not a big deal and I’m not going to make a big deal of it.” [News and Observer]
• How every NHL can get to 100 points next season. Yes, even the Ottawa Senators. [ESPN]
• Gretzky, Esposito, Thornton and Coffey are just a few of the NHL stars who were involved in surprise trades. [Sportsnet]
• It could be a while before William Nylander and the Toronto Maple Leafs work out a contract extension. [NHL.com]
• Why it might be wise for Noah Hanifin and Darnell Nurse to sign bridge deals with their respective teams. [The Hockey News]
• The Boston Bruins will retire Rick Middleton’s No. 16 before a Nov. 29 game against the New York Islanders. [Bruins]
• A look at some options for the Chicago Blackhawks if Corey Crawford doesn’t return to 100 percent. [Blackhawk Up]
• GM Ron Hextall did his job in improving the Philadelphia Flyers. Now the pressure is on head coach Dave Hakstol and his staff. [Section 215]
• In defense of Tom Wilson’s $31 million extension. [The Hockey Writers]
• Kevin Lowe and Ryan Smyth are long overdue for being honored by the Edmonton Oilers. [The Oilers Rig]
• How the salary cap can help the New York Islanders improve their defense. [Elite Sports NY]
• What’s hot and what’s not in the upcoming NHL 19 video game. [Operation Sports]
• Why patience is needed with New Jersey Devils forward Pavel Zacha. [Devils Army]
• Quinn Hughes may be going back to school at Michigan, but he can still end up in a Vancouver Canucks jersey at some point this season. [Pass it to Bulis]
• Jannik Hansen is set to leave the NHL for the KHL. [Daily Hive]
• Finally, via Jets Nation, here’s a beautiful sight: All of Patrik Laine’s 44 goals from last season: