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.
• Canadiens top prospect Jesperi Kotkaniemi injured his spleen while playing in the minors. (NHL.com)
• The San Jose Sharks made a young fan’s wish come true. (NHL.com)
• Who are the nine best rookie goalies in the NHL this season? (The Hockey News)
• Being an elite two-way forward is a lost art, according to Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf. (TSN)
• The Tyler Toffoli trade is paying off for the Canucks on the ice, but not in the win column. (Sportsnet)
• What should Seattle’s team name be? (ESPN)
• Connor Hellebuyck deserves Hart and Vezina Trophy consideration. (The Hockey Writers)
• It looks like there could be a huge rivalry between the pipes for years to come when the Rangers and Devils go head-to-head. (Pucks and Pitchforks)
• The Leafs still need to find balance in their game. (Toronto Star)
• Missing the playoffs would be a disaster for the Islanders. (Newsday)
• Who will be the next captain of the New York Rangers. (Blue Shirt Banter)
• Jets captain Blake Wheeler has been awesome down the stretch. (Winnipeg Free Press)
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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.