The Lightning assigned center Marc-Antoine Pouliot to the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL today, Vice President and GM Steve Yzerman announced. Pouliot, a native of Quebec City, Quebec, has played in two preseason games with the Lightning this season, recording three shots on goal and seven penalty minutes. He was signed by Tampa Bay as a free agent on July 23, 2010.

The Hurricanes have trimmed their roster to 25 players by assigning forward Zach Boychuk to their AHL affiliate in Charlotte, according to an Associated Press report on Wednesday.

Brian Gionta was named the 28th captain of the Canadiens on Wednesday, becoming the second American to hold the position in the team?s 101-year history. Gionta succeeded Saku Koivu, whose 10-year tenure ended when he left Montreal as a free agent following the 2008-09 season. The Canadiens went without a captain last season.

The Maple Leafs announced Tuesday that the hockey club has assigned forwards Darryl Boyce, Joey Crabb, Alex Foster and Ryan Hamilton to the Marlies of the AHL. The Maple Leafs current training camp roster now stands at 30 players (three goaltenders, 10 defencemen and 17 forwards).

The Sabres resumed talks with rookie forward Zack Kassian, leading his agent to express hope that Buffalo's 2009 first-round draft pick could have a deal as soon as this week, as reported by ESPN.com.

With the Bruins facing the start of the season without top center Marc Savard, coach Claude Julien said Monday he likes the idea of rookie Tyler Seguin potentially filling a slot in the middle, according to an ESPN.com report.

Blackhawks defenseman Nick Boynton apologized for a throat slashing gesture he made toward Lightning center Blair Jones that cost him a one-game suspension, according to an ESPN.com report on Monday.

The defending champion Blackhawks have parted with goalie Cristobal Huet, assigning him to HC Fribourg-Gotteron SA of the Swiss National League A, according to an Associated Press report on Monday.

Mathieu Dandenault, the versatile defenseman who won three Stanley Cups with the Red Wings and later played for the Canadiens, has retired, according to an Associated Press report on Sunday.

The Stars released veteran forward Jonathan Cheechoo from his tryout contract Sunday, according to an ESPN.com report. Cheechoo, a former 50-goal scorer, played in two of the Stars' three preseason games and didn't register a point.