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.
• Ron Hextall’s out as GM. Dave Hakstol remains, for now, head coach. What’s next for the Philadelphia Flyers? [Broad Street Hockey]
• “Much of the criticism surrounding Hextall’s authoritarian command was an unwillingness to listen to differing viewpoints and opinions.” [NBC Philadelphia]
• Ron Francis and Chuck Fletcher are expected to be in the mix as Hextall’s replacement. [TSN]
• As Saturday’s 5 p.m. ET deadline approaches, why the Toronto Maple Leafs have won the William Nylander standoff. [Sportsnet]
• How did Patrik Laine celebrate his five-goal night? With some ice cream, of course. [NHL.com]
• “Now, if Armstrong’s players played like Armstrong talks, the Blues wouldn’t be in this bind. Alas, it was Armstrong himself who assembled this group of players — and Armstrong who will have to fix it.” [Post-Dispatch]
• How a wild schedule helped the Vegas Golden Knights find a little consistency. [Sin Bin Vegas]
• Nate Schmidt’s return could have a huge effect on Golden Knights defenseman Colin Miller. [Review-Journal]
• Cory Schneider is still looking for answers to his struggles in net for the New Jersey Devils. [NJ.com]
• Alex Chiasson has been one of the few bright spots for the Edmonton Oilers this season. [Oilers Nation]
• “The Buffalo Sabres are not a one-man show, and the parity in talent on this year’s team is thus far helping propel them to success.” [Die by the Blade]
• “Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan said the $700 million Seattle Center arena project will be ready to house a team in 2020.” [King 5]
• Next week could see the official approval of a Seattle expansion franchise. Here’s what to expect at the Board of Governors meeting. [NHL to Seattle]
• Tanner Pearson is really enjoying his new home with the Pittsburgh Penguins. [Pensburgh]
• Jeremy Colliton is still trying to find the right mix in his lines for the Chicago Blackhawks. [Blackhawk Up]
• Does Gustav Nyquist have a future with the Detroit Red Wings? [MLive]
• Finally, here’s the trailer for the upcoming documentary “Tough Guy: The Bob Probert story”: