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.
• Mikko Rantanen could return to the Avalanche’s lineup by this weekend. (NHL.com)
• The expansion Seattle team should pursue Mike Babcock if he’s still available whenever they decide to name a coach. (Seattle Times)
• Sheldon Keefe’s been focused on adapting to his new team. (TSN)
• Keefe also centers his practices around skills-focused drills. (The Leafs Nation)
• Are the Predators doing the right thing by scratching Kyle Turris? (On the Forecheck)
• Jake Guentzel has been good even without Sidney Crosby as his center. (Pensburgh)
• Robin Lehner has had his share of struggles in the shootout. (NBC Sports Chicago)
• Adam Boqvist is putting up some solid numbers in the AHL. (Rotoworld)
• Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau have to be considered one of the best one-two punches in the NHL. (The Hockey News)
• Mark Spector breaks down Jesse Puljujarvi’s risks and options with the Edmonton Oilers. (Sportsnet.ca)
• The injury to Anthony Mantha doesn’t sound too good for the Red Wings. (Detroit Free Press)
• The long-term injury list is hurting the Sabres’ chances of making a splash in the trade market. (Sporting News)
• The Johnny Gaudreau trade rumors are absurd. (My NHL trade rumors)
• Charlie McAvoy hasn’t scored yet, but he’s focused on his defensive game. (Boston Herald)
• Shayne Gostisbehere is off to a horrific start this season. (Broad Street Hockey)
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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.