Hockey Hearsay compiles stories from around the hockey world and runs weekdays, 12 months a year.

STARS MAY NAME BENN CAPTAIN

We recently shared a Newsday article in Hearsay, noting young star John Tavares may be named captain of the New York Islanders around the start of training camp.

September could also see another rising force in the league wear the captain’s ‘C’ if the Stars name Jamie Benn as their on-ice leader.

General Manager Jim Nill tells The Dallas Morning News he’d like to name a captain before the season begins and that he’ll speak with coach Lindy Ruff and others before the choice is made.

“It’s an important decision, and I want us to be united in our decision,’’ Nill said.

Benn, 24, may be the guy. Nill was with the Red Wings when Steve Yzerman was named captain at 21, and said he understands the challenges for a young captain.

“(Yzerman) definitely had to grow into it, and it did take some time, but I think he was able to get the job at a time when we were developing as an organization, and then he and the team grew together,’ Nill said.

CANES WILL EXPERIMENT WITH SKINNER

The Raleigh News & Observer indicates it’s possible Jeff Skinner could start next season on the third line – at center or left wing – after being among the Canes’ top six forwards his first three seasons.

“It’s safe to say we’re going to experiment in camp,” head coach Kirk Muller said. “I don’t want to say yet whether he will be a wing on center. It will depend on what he and other guys do in camp.”

The article also noted Cam Ward suffered a knee injury in early March that ended his season. Muller said Ward is healthy and has “a fire in his belly right now,” believing he can still play his way into consideration for Canada’s Olympic team despite not being named to August’s orientation camp roster.

YOUTHFUL MARLIES TEAM LIKELY

Leafs’ hockey operations head Dave Poulin tells The Toronto Sun there will be a lot of green under those blue Marlie sweaters this season.

“We could have as many as 17 entry-level contracts there,” he said. “There have been some rule changes with the new CBA and you’re always trying to stagger the roster for when players become available (for pro hockey). Of course, you can’t always control what they do in their own development.

“Right now, it sets up as a young team and we have to put the right veterans around them. We’re talking about guys such as Jerry D’Amigo, Carter Ashton and Jesse Blacker, who might not seem that old, but they’ve been through a few seasons and a lot of playoff games.”

PREDATORS TARGET BLACKHAWKS FANS WITH TICKET PLAN

The Chicago Sun-Times observes that tired of seeing fans in red Hawks sweaters at Bridgestone Arena, the Nashville Predators are eliminating single-game ticket sales for their home games against the Hawks.

Predators president and COO Sean Henry told Section303.com that fans will have to buy tickets to at least one other game in order to buy tickets to the Hawks games.

“What it’s going to do by forcing another game is we’ll almost direct it toward people that live in the general area,” Henry said. “Only those in the zip codes that we unlock can buy the Blackhawk game and a second game.

“In the end, we’re building something pretty special. If we have to do it off the backs of their fans a little bit, I’m not apologizing for it.”

SAMUELSSON, BERTUZZI HEALTHY FOR WINGS

Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland tells Michigan Live he believes right wing Mikael Samuelsson, who re-injured his pectoral muscle in the playoffs and didn’t play in the second round against Chicago, is healthy.

“There was some debate on whether we should perform surgery; the decision was to let him heal,” Holland said. “I’m told he feels good, no issues.

“(Todd) Bertuzzi finished the season healthy. They seem to be ready to come to camp.”

WHAT THEY’RE TWEETING ABOUT

Nothing like a summer day and a sweet red convertible… pic.twitter.com/ctHXMtaeEU — Dominic Moore (@mooredom) August 14, 2013

Wayne Gretzky wearing my "League Minimum" shirt by @SauceHockey. It's an honour/honor 99. pic.twitter.com/kZo9lFlOsm — Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0) August 14, 2013

Thanks to @Aduke49 for coming to my hockey camp today. Kids were so happy to meet him!! #classAct pic.twitter.com/T3CCRxEYgA — Alex Burrows (@aburr14) August 14, 2013

Thank you everyone for all the birthday wishes, lucky to have such supportive fans! #SensArmy — Kyle Turris (@kyleturris) August 15, 2013

Not a bad view here at my parents place outside of Ottawa in Horton Township. Strong Sens presence…. pic.twitter.com/mn4Vv94enT — Marc Methot (@MarcMethot3) August 14, 2013

Congrats to my dad for his last day of work today after 30 years of serving in the Canadian Army. Happy retirement! #proud #whatsnextbigguy — Matt Read (@MReader24) August 15, 2013

I'm 'Happy, Happy, Happy' about the Season Premiere of @DuckDynastyAE tonight, how bout you? #youbetchaJack — Matt Duchene (@Matt9Duchene) August 14, 2013