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.
• Yesterday, we shared a story on how Fortnite is becoming the enemy in the NHL. Here’s how the players see the uber-popular video game. (Sportsnet)
• Who is Sergei Shumakov, you ask? Why, today is your lucky day. (The Hockey News)
• The John Tavares Effect. Is it real? We’re about to find out. (The National Post)
• A take on why the Montreal Canadiens should hold onto Max Pacioretty until the trade deadline. (The Hockey News)
• Golden Knights goalie Oscar Dansk will honor the 58 killed in last October’s shooting in Las Vegas on his new mask. (NHL.com)
• Here’s a story on the 1976 Vancouver Canucks, perhaps the NHL’s most mediocre team. Ever. (Sportsnet)
• Washington Capitals forward Brett Connolly won’t be heading to the White House. (Washington Post)
• Matt Stajan set for a new chapter in Germany. (Calgary Sun)
• Sportsnet’s Top 100 countdown continues with No. 30 to No. 11. (Sportsnet)
• Seattle is gearing up to pitch the NHL for a new team. (The Score)
• Wayne Simmonds on contract extension talks between himself and the Flyers: “It is what it is.” (TSN.ca)
• The referee combine. (NHL.com)
• Tom Wilson is working with the NHL’s player safety department to help keep his skates on the ice this season. (The Sporting News)
• The New York Rangers and the overvaluation of depth in the NHL. (Blue Line Station)
• A very early look at who could potentially be the best trade deadline acquisitions next year. (Pensburgh)
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