Welcome to the PHT Morning Skate, a collection of links from the NHL and around the hockey world. Have a link you want to submit for the PHT Morning Skate? Email us at phtblog@nbcsports.com.
• Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner will undergo “clean-up surgery” on his shoulder. He is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. [Review-Journal]
• Will the Golden Knights look back and regret the big deal they just gave Alex Pietrangelo? [The Hockey News]
• Ralph Krueger’s presence should bode well for Taylor Hall’s 2020-21 season with the Sabres. [Buffalo Hockey Beat]
• If the Sabres don’t prove they’re contender in a year’s time with Hall and Jack Eichel, what next? [National Post]
• Jonathan Toews on the Blackhawks’ changes this offseason: “I’ve never been told that we were going through a rebuild. That has never been communicated to me, for that matter. A lot of this comes as a shock because it’s a completely different direction than we expected.” [NHL.com]
• Senators first-rounder Tim Stuetzle will miss the next 6-8 weeks with Germany’s Mannheim after suffering an arm injury during training camp. [Ottawa Citizen]
• Marc Bergevin has added depth and balance to the Canadiens’ lineup this offseason. [Sportsnet]
• Here’s why the Flyers have had a pretty quiet free agency. [Broad Street Hockey]
• Mikko Koivu is ready for a new challenge with the Blue Jackets. [Star Tribune]
• “How Steve Yzerman was able to sign difference-makers but keep Detroit Red Wings’ checkbook flexible.” [Freep]
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Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.