Morning Skate: Trotz blasts Shattenkirk

Here are all the links from around the hockey world, and what I’m reading, while getting ready to go purchase the Haggerty Family Christmas Tree. Tis the season, everybody!

*Wow, Barry Trotz isn’t known for burying his players past or present, but he kind of did that with Kevin Shattenkirk when asked about his contributions to last season’s Capitals team. I don’t really disagree with much of what Trotz said, I don’t think Shattenkirk is a No. 1 or a 2 defenseman either and it seems like the NHL is of that same opinion when it comes to the current New York Rangers D-man.

*Time is wasting for the Edmonton Oilers, who register as this season’s most disappointing team in the NHL.

*PHT writer and FOH (Friend of Haggs) Sean Leahy has the NHL indicating that the salary cap will go up by about $3 million next season, which is good news for clubs that could use a little breathing room. The Bruins aren’t currently one of those teams right now, but every little bit helps with a new deal for Charlie McAvoy coming down the pipe after next season.

*In an interesting twist, the bookies in Vegas could be in major financial distress if the Vegas Golden Knights end up making the playoffs.

*Mitch Marner dishes on movie night with Auston Matthews and Patrick Marleau where they apparently go see animated films. It feels right on brand for Marner and Matthews. Marleau? Not so much unless he also brought his kids.

*The New Jersey Devils’ Ben Lovejoy becomes the first NHL player to agree to donate his brain to CTE research.