Morning Bag Skate: 10-17-20

A daily thread to talk about the latest hockey news.

BLACKHAWKS

Blackhawks, Strome slowly work on contract (The Athletic)

Where could Zadorov fit into Blackhawks’ lineup? (SCH)

CENTRAL DIVISION

Why a Laine trade is especially bad idea for Jets right now (The Athletic)

‘We are not the same team’: Predators are tougher, but have they improved? (The Athletic)

We Went Blues: Pietrangelo on Vegas, Krug deal and his legacy (The Athletic)

Avalanche fans aren’t always majority at Pepsi Center (The Athletic)

Honka wants to be a Star. Could it happen, and should it? (The Athletic)

NHL

Thornton signs 1-year, $700K contract with Maple Leafs (Pension Plan Puppets)

Maatta’s journey is coming full circle with move to Kings (The Athletic)

Kings sign 2020 second-overall pick Byfield to entry-level contract (Sportsnet)

Flyers’ Patrick accepts 1-year qualifying offer (Broad Street Hockey)

Mangiapane signs 2-year, $4.85 million contract with Flames (Matchsticks and Gasoline)

Canadiens loan Kotkaniemi to Ässät in Finland (Habs Eyes On The Prize)

Sharks sign 2020 first rounder Wiesblatt to entry-level contract (NHL)

Coyotes goaltending director part of growing NHL trend (NHL)

Yzerman providing optimism as Red Wings rebuild roster (NHL)

HOCKEY WORLD

NCHC to start season Dec. 1 with 8 teams in Omaha (Omaha World Herald)