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? Email us at phtblog@nbcsports.
• On the U.S. women’s new one-year deal with USA Hockey: “According to documents obtained by ESPN, players on the women’s national team can earn up to $126,750 over the next year should they win gold at both the 2021 world championships and the 2022 Beijing Olympics. If the team wins a silver medal at both events, each player will receive $105,500. That money is made up of stipends and bonuses, paid out by both USA Hockey and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.” [ESPN]
• A good preview of the U.S. women as they prepare for the upcoming IIHF Women’s World Championship later this week. [The Ice Garden]
• What is the biggest area that needs improvement for the Capitals? [NBC Sports Washington]
• The NHL has told teams any people in the organization who will interact with club personnel, including players, are required to be fully vaccinated. [Sportsnet]
• Why goals might be tougher to come by for the Maple Leafs next season. [The Leafs Nation]
• David Pastrnak has been voted best Czech hockey player for the fifth year in a row. [CBS Boston]
• Charlie McAvoy is eager to see how the Bruins goalie tandem of Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark works out. [NHL.com]
• Alex Nedeljkovic, a 2020-21 Calder Trophy finalist, will still be eligible for the award next season. [Detroit Hockey Now]
• If the Canucks are to do anything this season, they’ll need a productive Oliver Ekman-Larsson. [TSN]
• “Effective immediately, all WHL roster players, hockey operations staff and other team and WHL Office personnel along with officials must be fully vaccinated with a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the start of the 2021-22 WHL Regular Season. The WHL Regular Season opens Friday, October 1, 2021.” [WHL]
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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