Tuesday, March 25, 2008

College free agents rumor update

Niagara University forward Kyle Rogers has drawn a lot of interest from NHL teams, but after leading his team the Purple Eagles win the College Hockey America conference tournament, he's become a hot commodity for several NHL clubs. He’ll land a two-year contract that will likely include a $175,000 signing bonus with the idea he would start in the AHL. Scouts from the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins have been watching him closely. Brochu's take: Scouts say that the 23 year old forward is a good skater with above-average hands. Expect him to be signed shortly after the NCAA tournament. Source

The Buffalo Sabres are rumored to be close to signing Bowling Green University forward Derek Whitmore. Under NHL rules, because of his age, Whitmore must sign a two-year NHL contract. It will kick in next season. Also, the Sabres are close to signing defenseman Mike Kostka from UMass-Amherst. Brochu's take: They'll both be given their chance to show their stuff in the AHL this season. GM Darcy Regier is hoping he can mine the NCAA in hopes of finding players like Dustin Penner and Kevin Bieksa. Source

The Florida Panthers are rumored to be close to signing defenseman Jason Garrison from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Source

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