Ducks, Cogliano closing in on new deal

The Ducks are well aware that Andrew Cogliano has an arbitration hearing scheduled for Thursday but the signs are pointing toward a contract with their new center that could keep him here beyond the coming 2011-12 season.

General Manager Bob Murray told the Register on Monday that some progress has been made in negotiations with Cogliano’s agent, Anton Thun. Murray did not disclose the terms that are being discussed but it is believed that the two sides are looking at a multiyear deal and appear to be closing in on an agreement.

Cogliano, 24, made $1 million last season and posted 11 goals and 24 assists with Edmonton before the Oilers dealt the four-year pro to Anaheim for a 2013 second-round pick last week. He’ll likely see a raise that could push him beyond the $2-million range annually, given that he’s averaged 14 goals and 22 assists while not missing a single NHL game.

For instance, Winnipeg avoided arbitration with Blake Wheeler on Monday as it signed the winger to a two-year contract that will pay him $2.45 million in 2011-12 and $2.65 million in 2012-13. Wheeler, who’ll be 25 on Aug. 31, has averaged 19 goals and 23 assists in three seasons.

Thun told the Register on Friday that while he’s prepared to go to arbitration if need be but added that “quite honestly, I think we’re both of the opinion that we would prefer to avoid going there.”

Cogliano is not only seen as someone that will plug the hole that has been the Ducks’ third-line center position but also has the speed and versatility to possibly center the second line in time or play some on the wing. Saku Koivu, who slipped to 45 points last season, will be 37 in November and has just one more year left on his contract.

Another motivation to have Cogliano under contract for more than one year would also remove the possibility of the center outperforming a one-year deal and coming up for arbitration again next season with the ability to demand an even higher raise.