Leafs to buy out Tucker, Blake?

On the intermission program "The Hotstove" during CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, Al Strachan stated that the Toronto Maple Leafs will definitely buy out Darcy Tucker's contract and will likely buy out Jason Blake's contract as well. Scott Morrison speculated that Blake could be traded sometime this summer, as well as Bryan McCabe, who is rumored to accept a trade to the New York Islanders. Brochu's take: The buy-out is the new buzzword in Toronto. Tucker's contract is relatively manageable and I doubt that he would get bought out. Moving Blake and McCabe's contracts would be easier and better off in the long run.

The Leafs also signed forward Kyle Rogers to a two-year, entry level contract. He will the AHL Toronto Marlies for the remainder of the season and playoffs. Brochu's take: Rogers was pursued by many teams, and is a good step for the re-building Leafs. Source

Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero is unsure if he could re-sign forward Marian Hossa. When asked about the situation, he responded "I don't know. If I had to look into a crystal ball, it would be a little cloudy." Brochu's take: Hossa knows he is the top free agent this summer and could get a better contract if he goes to free agency. I can only see Hossa re-signing with the Pens if they make a deep run in the playoffs. Source

The newspapers in Florida speculate that the Florida Panthers will be making several important decisions this summer. GM and head coach Jacques Martin and franchise forward Olli Jokinen have butted heads this season, and one or both of them could be gone. Brochu's take: My feeling is Martin is good as gone. As for Jokinen, several teams will make a run for him and the Panthers will have to seriously address if the packages are enough to trade him.

The Dallas Stars have signed forward Raymond Sawada to a two-year, entry level contract and assigned him to the AHL Iowa Stars.

The Washington Capitals have signed center Mathieu Perreault to a three-year contract, entry level contract.

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