NHL Notes: Dustin Brown upset to be stripped of Kings' captaincy

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LOS ANGELES -- Dustin Brown doesn't agree with the Los Angeles Kings' decision to strip him of their captaincy after eight seasons and two Stanley Cups.

Brown aired his displeasure in a phone interview Thursday, two weeks after the Kings appointed Anze Kopitar as their new captain.

Brown feels he was a strong leader while the Kings grew from a terrible team to a two-time NHL champion during his tenure. He was also disappointed when news of the Kings' plan leaked out before the club had announced it.

Brown's production has dipped alarmingly in recent years. The power forward hasn't scored 30 points in any of the Kings' last four seasons.

Los Angeles missed the playoffs in 2015 and got eliminated by San Jose in the first round this year (see full story).

Lightning: Stamkos staying for best chance to win
TAMPA, Fla. -- Loyalty, respect and the potential to win for years to come kept Steven Stamkos in Tampa Bay.

The Lightning captain said Thursday that he followed his heart in re-signing with the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2008 rather than testing free agency, where he likely would have commanded much more than the $68 million he's due to earn over the next eight seasons.

"Some people when they're in this position chase, obviously, the most money possible," the two-time NHL scoring champion said during a conference call.

"For me, I realize the situation and understood that there could have been some money left out there. But for me, that's not what it's all about. It's about going to an organization that I was comfortable with, and something that gave me the best chance to win in my mind," Stamkos added.

"It was a very tough decision. It truly was. I can't sit here and say this past week has been fun. ... It was pretty stressful, to be honest. I'm glad it's over with" (see full story).

NHL: Carle, Seidenberg among those placed on buyout waivers
The Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins are cutting ties with expensive defensemen to save some salary-cap space for next season.

According to a person with direct knowledge of the moves, the Lightning placed Matt Carle and the Bruins placed Dennis Seidenberg on buyout waivers. Nashville Predators defenseman Barret Jackman, Los Angeles Kings defenseman Matt Greene, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jared Boll and Edmonton Oilers forward Lauri Korpikoski were also placed on waivers for the purpose of buying out their contracts.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Thursday because the teams didn't announce their decisions.

The person also said Predators forward Eric Nystrom cleared buyout waivers. The Calgary Flames announced Mason Raymond cleared waivers and will be bought out.

The Carolina Hurricanes also announced they bought out the final season of defenseman James Wisniewski's contract, saving $3 million. Despite playing only 47 seconds for Carolina last season before tearing the ACL in his left knee, the 32-year-old said he enjoyed his time in Raleigh and intends to be back playing for someone (see full story).

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