NHL rumors for April 3, 2008

Has Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mats Sundin played his last game in the NHL? According to the Toronto newspapers, there's a possibility that Sundin will retire in the summer. Sundin has said he will evaluate his future in the summer, and interim GM Cliff Fletcher has a"feeling" that Sundin would re-sign with the Leafs. Brochu's take: Despite being 37-years old, Sundin has not slowed down in point production. I predict he will wait for the Leafs to finish their summer reconstruction and sign in late August.

According to Swiss newspaper Blick, Atlanta Thrashers forward Darren Haydar may sign with HC Lugano of the Swiss Nationalliga. Brochu's take: Haydar, a very productive AHL player, has never been able to stick with an NHL teams. He's been getting some offers from Switzerland and he could probably make more money in Europe.

The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Jason Garrison to an entry-level contract. The 6-2, 220-pound Garrison recently completed his junior season at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he recorded five goals and nine assists in 26 games. Source

The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Ryan Jones to an entry-level contract. Jones spent the past four seasons at Miami University in Ohio, where he amassed 90 goals and 57 assists in 161 games. Jones is also one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker award. Source

The New York Rangers have signed forward Ryan Hillier to an entry-level contract.

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed defenseman Nick Ross to an 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