51.   The third piece of the puzzle will be revealed tonight when Brian Leetch, the veteran defenseman, becomes the captain, succeeding Messier.

52.   The Tampa Bay Lightning signed veteran defenseman Jamie Huscroft to a multiyear contract.

53.   The Thrashers also picked up the free agent rights to veteran defenseman Ulf Samuelsson, who finished the season with the Wings after being dealt from the Rangers.

54.   The Vancouver Canucks re-signed veteran defenseman Bret Hedican, who was a restricted Group II free agent.

55.   The Washington Capitals traded veteran defenseman Eric Charron to the Calgary Flames for future considerations, the team said.

56.   The veteran defenseman was hit by a puck in Washington.

57.   They got one from Scott Stevens, another veteran defenseman who is better known for his heavy hits.

58.   They played again without Ray Bourque, their splendid veteran defenseman, who missed his fifth consecutive game with a shoulder injury.

59.   They were delighted in Hartford when the Whalers were finally able to trade veteran defenseman Paul Coffey.

60.   Two who can leave with no restrictions are Bruce Driver, the veteran defenseman, and Bob Carpenter, the veteran center.