Florida Panthers: Four Recent Signings

Here’s a few more recent transactions over the past few days, we’re a few days behind schedule around these parts.

04/01/08
Jason “Bob” Garrison:
Signed a two-year deal with the Florida Panthers.

Don’t think Garrison should spend too much money on sunblock, though, what with the winters in Rochester being what they are and all.

In all seriousness, Garrison sounds like a solid signing, a character guy who — to coin a JM phrase — be a good pro. And, it seems like he has some grit, coming back from a broken leg to play in the postseason for UMD (which is not short for University of North Dakota). Source / Hockey DB Stats

03/31/08
Andrew Sweetland:
SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers General Manager and Head Coach Jacques Martin announced today that the club has agreed to terms with free agent college prospect F Andrew Sweetland on an entry level contract.

“Andrew is a player that we identified a few years ago and have followed his progress closely, and he participated in our development camp last year,” said Martin. “He is a player that posses good size, speed, skill and hockey sense. He will have an opportunity to make our team during training camp and we look forward to his long-term contributions to our team.”

Sweetland, 21, played in 28 games for the University of Maine Black Bears this year scoring eight goals with nine assists. Prior to playing for Maine, he spent the 2006-07 season with the Amherst Ramblers (Junior A) where he set a club record with 56 goals and 61 assists in 54 games played. The Bonavista, Newfoundland native also played for the Couchiching Terriers (OPJHL) for two seasons (2004-06).

“I am very excited about the opportunity presented with the Panthers organization,” said Sweetland. “It will be a challenge to make a successful step to the next level of play, but I intend to work hard this off-season to prepare myself for training camp in September.”

ANDREW SWEETLAND’S BIO (COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE)

2007–08: Saw action in 28 games for the Black Bears… Scored eight goals and added nine assists for 17 points… Finished fourth on the team in scoring… led Maine with four power play goals…. Scored a pair of goals in Maine’s game against Providence College on Nov. 9… Scored two goals and added an assists for a career-high three points in Maine’s 5-4 win over UMass on Feb. 24… Named the Hockey East Rookie of the Week on March 25… earned the UMaine Howard Neville Rookie of the Year Award in 2008.

BEFORE MAINE: Played last season for the Amherst Ramblers, where he set a club record with 56 goals …Totalled 56 goals and 61 assists for 117 points in 54 games … Named the team’s Most Valuable Player and recipient of the Vern Hurley Memorial Award … Top scorer in the MJAHL, earning first-team All-Star honors … Played the previous two seasons for the Couchiching Terriers … He earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2004-05 as he had 58 points to lead the team …
Attended Discovery Collegiate High School, where he won the provincial championship.

PERSONAL: Born October 21, 1986 … Son of Peggy and Dave Sweetland … Major is undecided … Relatives - Michael Ryder played for the Montreal Canadians, Daniel Ryder drafted by Calgary Flames and Adam Pardy drafted by the Calgary Flames.

3/29/08
David Jarram:
(Saginaw, MI) Spirit forward David Jarram has signed a contract with the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans, the official AHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers. Details of the signing were not disclosed.

Jarram arrived in Saginaw via a January 2008 trade with the Oshawa Generals. The 1987-born native of Kitchener, Ontario posted 14 goals and 15 assists in his five year OHL career that saw stops in Sault Ste. Marie, Ottawa, London, Oshawa and Saginaw. He tallied 11 goals and 7 assists during the 2007-2008 season, 5 goals and 2 assists in 29 games with the Spirit. Jarram tallied a hat trick at the beginning of the season while with the Generals, on October 12th, 2007 against the Erie Otters.

“The Saginaw Spirit want to win OHL Championships, but just as importantly, this organization strives to develop its players into future NHL’ers,” stated Spirit President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin, “The fact that he signed a pro contract immediately following the end of our season is a testament to the fact that the OHL is the top developmental program for the NHL. We are thrilled for David and wish him the best of luck - the entire Spirit family will be rooting for his continued success as he works toward the day when he skates with the NHL’s Florida Panthers.”

03/29/08
Brady Calla (RW) - Signed to an ATO

03/29/08
Mike Kostka (D) - ATO - Released
- He was released to allow him to return to UMass to finish his senior year of college.