Movements in the world of hockey Tuesday:

National Hockey League

CALGARY FLAMES-Claimed D Lawrence Nycholat off waivers from Vancouver.

CAROLINA HURRICANES-Recalled F Dwight Helminen from Albany (AHL). Activated F Scott Walker from injured reserve.

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS-Recalled C Tim Brent from Rockford (AHL). Assigned RW Jack Skille to Rockford.

FLORIDA PANTHERS-Recalled D Keaton Ellerby from Rochester (AHL).

MINNESOTA WILD-Signed G Niklas Backstrom to a four-year contract.

MONTREAL CANADIENS-Assigned F Kyle Chipchura to Hamilton (AHL).

NEW YORK RANGERS-Claimed F Sean Avery off waivers from Dallas.

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS-Recalled F Claude Giroux from Philadelphia (AHL). Assigned D Nate Guenin and F Jared Ross to Philadelphia.

SAN JOSE SHARKS-Recalled F Brad Staubitz and F Lukas Kaspar from Worcester (AHL). Signed LW Brandon Mashinter.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING-Placed LW Gary Roberts on waivers. Recalled C Paul Szczechura and RW Brandon Segal from Norfolk (AHL).

VANCOUVER CANUCKS-Agreed to terms with F Alexandre Burrows on a four-year contract extension.

ECHL

ECHL-Suspended Stockton F Igor Gongalsky for two games and fined him and suspended Las Vegas F Ryler Mosienko for one game for their actions in games on March 1.

VICTORIA SALMON KINGS-Announced Vancouver (NHL) assigned F Dan Gendur to the team from Manitoba (AHL).

Central Hockey League

COLORADO EAGLES-Claimed D Clay Thoring off waivers from Bossier-Shreveport.