NHL rumors for March 27, 2008

Erik Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail speculates on what's next for Calgary Flames forward Kristian Huselius. Coach Mike Keenan made Huselius a healthy scratch for the crucial game between the Flames and the Vancouver Canucks. Duhatschek believes that "it now seems almost certain that Kristian Huselius will not be back with the Calgary Flames next season." Brochu's take: With Keenan as head coach of the Flames, Huselius doesn't have much of a future with Calgary. The Flames have already spent money on Miikka Kiprusoff, Dion Phaneuf and Jarome Iginla, leaving Huselius and Daymond Langkow as their key UFAs. Huselius could easily make +$5 million on the open market, especially with teams like the Canucks, Islanders and Blue Jackets desperately looking for offense.

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed forward Brandon Sutter to a three-year, entry-level contract. Under terms of the deal signed Wednesday, Sutter has a contract that begins with the 2008-09 season. It will pay him $787,500 per season at the NHL level, or $65,000 if he is sent to the minor leagues. Brochu's take: Sutter should spend 1-2 years at the AHL to acclimatize to the pro game. If his father Brent is any indication, he will have the determination to make the Hurricanes roster in the future.

The Washington Capitals have signed forward Jay Beagle to a two-year, entry-level contract. Beagle, 22, has scored 18 goals and 14 assists in 54 games in his first season with the Hershey Bears of the AHL. Source

Reported yesterday, the Buffalo Sabres have officially signed forward Derek Whitmore and defenseman Mike Kostka to contracts.

Brochu's European rumour roundup:

Defenseman Jim Fahey will leave the AHL Rockford Icehogs (Chicago Blackhawks affiliate) at the end of the season and will play with the Krefeld Pinguine of the DEL in Germany. Source

According to Swedish paper Aftonbladet, Florida Panthers defenseman Magnus Johansson wants to stay in the NHL, despite rumors that he would return to play for Linköpings HC in Sweden.

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