Edmonton Oilers sign Andrew Cogliano
The Edmonton Oilers have announced that they have signed forward Andrew Cogliano to a one-year deal worth $1 million. After being signed as a restricted free agent the youngster is heading into his fourth season with the Organization.
Cogliano was selected 25th overall by Edmonton in the first round of the 2005 National Hockey League entry draft. After being drafted Cogliano chose to play college hockey with the University of Michigan. He spent two seasons with Michigan, playing an impressive second season, which saw him notch 24 goals and 50 points in 38 games. In 2007-08 he joined the Edmonton Oilers and had a remarkable rookie season with the franchise, tallying 18 goals and 45 points in a complete 82 game schedule. Since that time Cogliano’s production has dropped off and he has been subject to several trade rumours.
Cogliano returns to one of the NHL’s youngest and most inexperienced forward groups. The influx of youth has hit Edmonton in full force as 21-year-old Sam Gagne is slotted to play second line centre and first year players such as Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi are expected to hold spots after training camp. With so many youngsters already expected to hold spots on the roster it leaves Cogliano to fill the role of third line centre. Not necessarily known as a two-way forward Cogliano is going to have to work hard all year to remain in coach Tom Renney’s good books.
At 23 years old Cogliano still has tons of potential and will once again be a restricted free agent at the end of the 2010-11 season. The youngster is likely to get a couple more chances with the Oilers, however if he continues to struggle a change of scenery might be the right move for the centre.
Last season with Edmonton Cogliano managed 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 points.
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