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.
• Up top, that’s the new All-Star Game logo with this season’s rendition in San Jose.
• Jake Dotchin checked in 30 pounds over his playing weight from last season. (TSN)
• The NHL is going to be patient if it wants to reap the rewards that a China partnership could produce. (The Hockey News)
• Sticking with the NHL... they believe Henrik Zetterberg is a legitimate case for long-term injured reserve, but they’ll investigate anyway. (The Score)
• U.S. gambling monster lurks under the NHL’s bed. (Winnipeg Free Press)
• Here’s an oxymoron: The NHL’s most underrated superstar. (The Hockey Writers)
• Here are the most overpaid players heading into the 2018-19 season. (Daily Hive)
• Every team’s biggest issue heading into the new season. (CBS Sports)
• How Sharks’ all-in trade for Erik Karlsson affects West’s power structure, now and later. (Sporting News)
• Who cares what Connor McDavid’s rating is. Here are the highest rated tough guys. (Real Sport)
• Vegas remains the NHL’s hottest ticket. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)
• China both a market for growth and a pipeline for players. (The Athletic)
• Jesse Puljujarvi wants to take the next step in Edmonton. (Edmonton Sun)
• When pro athletes are accused of abuse, how often does punishment follow? (The Tennessean)
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