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.
• Panthers center Aleksander Barkov shouldn’t be underrated anymore. (The Hockey News)
• TSN’s Travis Yost argues that all William Nylander needs right now is a little luck. (TSN)
• Is it time for the Blue Jackets to get themselves a new captain or should they stick with Nick Foligno? (The Cannon)
• Bruins defeseman Kevan Miller was fortunate that the throat injury he suffered wasn’t more serious. (WEEI)
• The Stars are glad to have John Klingberg back in their lineup, but they need to make a major move if they’re going to be contenders. Could Vladimir Tarasenko be a possibility? (Defending Big D)
• Despite dealing with injuries, the Nashville Predators have found a way to get the job done so far. (Predlines)
• Sharks rookie Radek Simek has opened some eyes since making the leap to the NHL. (NBC Sports Bay Area)
• Blueshirt Banter looks at what Rangers GM Jeff Gorton did and didn’t before the holiday roster freeze. (Blue Shirt Banter)
• Elliotte Friedman takes a deeper look at the firing of Dave Hakstol in the latest edition of his “31 Thoughts” blog. (Sportsnet)
• This Capitals fan thought he lost a cap that meant a lot to him, but thankfully he was able to get it back. (Washington Post)
• Team Canada unveiled their roster for the upcoming Spengler Cup tournament. There’s a few names you’ll recognize on this list. (Hockey Canada)
• A chat with Michael J. Sokyrka, composer for the legendary NHL ’94 video game. (Puck Junk)
• Do Pittsburgh Penguins players have real Christmas trees or fake ones? These are the hard-hitting questions we need answers to.
Real or fake Christmas tree? 🎄 pic.twitter.com/bFEhgUWb3B
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 20, 2018
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Joey Alfieri is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @joeyalfieri.