Stars name Brendan Morrow new Captain

Brenden Morrow was named the newest captain of the Stars on Friday, taking over the role held by Mike Modano since 2003.

The 27-year-old has spent his entire career in Dallas after being taken by them in the first round of the 1997 draft.

”I really believe in this organization and the commitment they’ve made to me and to winning,” he said.

In 451 career NHL games, Morrow has 120 goals and 149 assists for 269 points and 748 penalty minutes. He is the only current Dallas player who has posted three straight 20-goal seasons.

Hurricanes let go of blue chip prospect Jack Johnson

The Carolina Hurricanes have traded the rights to defenceman Jack Johnson and defenceman Oleg Tverdovsky to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for defenceman Tim Gleason and centre Eric Belanger. The Hurricanes were in need of some immediate defensive help after losing Aaron Ward to free agency and Frantisek Kaberle to shoulder surgery. Johnson did not want to sign with Carolina this season because he wanted to return to the University of Michigan.

Jackets sign Zherdev to 3 year deal

The Columbus Blue Jackets re-signed right winger Nikolai Zherdev to a $7.5 million, three-year deal on Thursday. He will earn $1.75 million this season, $2.5 million in 2007-08 and $3.25 million in 2008-09. ”I am very happy to remain a Blue Jacket and want to thank the organization for their commitment and support,” said Zherdev. ”I am excited about our team and look forward to joining my teammates in Columbus as soon as possible.”

Kings and Cloutier agree to 2 year extension

The Los Angeles Kings have signed goalie Dan Cloutier to a US$6.2-million, two-year contract extension.

Cloutier will earn $2.55 million this season, the last year of his old deal signed in Vancouver, before his new contract kicks in and pays him $3.1 million per season in 2007-08 and 2008-09.

Niittymaki out with hip injury

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Antero Niittymaki suffered a torn labrum in his left hip during Tuesday’s morning practice.

“Antero Niittymaki tore the labrum in his left hip today at the morning skate,” said Flyers GM Bobby Clarke. “The MRI shows that there is a tear and the MRI will be sent overnight to Dr. Thomas Byrd in Nashville, Tennessee. We won’t know if surgery is necessary until tomorrow afternoon. If surgery is necessary, it will be six to eight weeks before he is back playing.”

Goaltender Martin Houle has been recalled from the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms, and will available to play in Tuesday night’s game against the Washington Capitals at the Wachovia Center.

Klesla suspended 2 games

Columbus defenceman Rostislav Klesla has been suspended two regular-season games for his “clip” of Chicago forward Tuomo Ruutu, which left the Finnish forward with a knee injury that will keep him out of the lineup for at least four weeks.

Klesla was assessed a five-minute clipping major on the play in a pre-season game last week.

Jagr cleared to practice

Rangers forward Jaromir Jagr has been cleared to practice for the first time since undergoing surgery on his dislocated left shoulder nearly five months ago.

When Jagr might be able to play in a game will be determined by Renney and the rest of the coaching staff. Jagr will need to build up his endurance and practice time before taking the next step.

At the start of training camp, Renney indicated it was doubtful that Jagr would play in any exhibition games before the Oct. 5 season opener against Washington. But Monday, Renney said he hopes to get last season’s MVP runner-up into the lineup before then.

Lightning place Sean Burke on waivers

Burke, 39, is contracted to earn $1.6-million this season, but is coming off a lacklustre 2005-2006 season when he posted a 2.80 goals against average and .895 save percentage in 35 games with the Lightning.

As a player over 35 years of age, Burke’s contract will count against the Lightning cap this year, even if he retires or plays in the minors.

Burke has played 797 career games in 16 seasons with New Jersey, Hartford, Carolina, Philadelphia, Vancouver, Florida, Phoenix and Tampa Bay, recording a 2.95 goals against average and .902 save percentage with a 318-331-105 record.  He’s also appeared in three NHL All-Star games.

Malkin out up to 6 weeks

Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Evgeni Malkin, re-examined by doctors on Monday, will not need surgery on his dislocated left shoulder but still could be sidelined for as long as six weeks.

The team did not set a timetable Monday for Malkin’s return, saying only that he will continue to rehabilitate. A common recovery time for an injury of Malkin’s nature is four to six weeks, though athletes have returned earlier from less severe separations.

If Malkin is out for a month, he likely will miss the Penguins’ first seven games. A six-week layoff would cause him to miss approximately 10 games.

Yzerman joins Red Wings front office

The NHL team announced Monday that Yzerman is now its vice-president and will work with the management team of senior VP Jim Devellano, general manager Ken Holland and assistant general manager Jim Nill.

The 41-year-old Yzerman, who grew up in the Ottawa suburb of Nepean, announced his retirement July 3. He spent his entire career with the Red Wings and helped turn the franchise into one of the most successful of the modern era, winning three Stanley Cups.

Detroit will retire Stevie Y’s No. 19 in a one-hour ceremony on Jan. 2 before a game against the Anaheim Ducks.

The team’s captain since 1986, Yzerman played in 1,514 regular-season games, scoring 692 goals and racking up 1,755 points, sixth all-time in NHL history.