Quick Updates

With the NHL season kicking off tonight, today is about catching up on things that may have been missed while doing the season preview.

• The Calgary Flames have named Mark Giordano captain, and Mike Cammalleri and Curtis Glencross will serve as alternate captains.  Giordano's appointment is an indication that the Flames want to be a tougher team to play against, and Giordano has the work ethic to make it work.
• Dallas made official what everyone knew was coming and named Jamie Benn the new captain.  Stephane Robidas and Ray Whitney will serve as alternate captains.  Benn has been the face of the franchise for the past few years, and as the team's best offensive weapon, he has a chance to match what Mike Modano did in his time as a Star.
• The Edmonton Oilers pulled a mild surprise by naming Andrew Ference the 14th captain in franchise history.  Signed in the off-season, Ference brings a championship pedigree and grit to a team that needs both.  His off-ice work since joining the team also figured into the equation, as he was heavily involved in the community and is looking to join the likes of Mark Messier, Kelly Buchberger, and Craig MacTavish as the next player to exemplify the "Oiler Way."  The alternate captains' role will be rotated amongst players.
• The Portland Winterhawks have named Taylor Leier captain.  The Flyers' prospect replaces Troy Rutkowski, who has moved on to Binghamton, where he will play for the Ottawa Senators' minor league affiliate to start the season.
• The Florida Panthers' quest for respectability goes through the Player Tryout Option route, as they have in a matter of weeks, signed Tim Thomas, Brad Boyes, and Tom Gilbert after signing them to PTOs.  They also signed Ryan Whitney after he was released from his PTO with St. Louis.