May 14, 2008 | 11:41am ET
Coyotes, Wheeler talking deal TheFourthPeriod.com
The Phoenix Coyotes are hopeful they can sign 2004 first-round pick Blake Wheeler to a contract within the coming weeks, reports the Arizona Republic.
Wheeler, 21, will not return to the University of Minnesota for his senior season, and Coyotes GM Don Maloney said the chances of signing his young stud are "excellent."
"I was really encouraged," Maloney told the Republic. "I had one conversation with the agent at the trade deadline, and to me it's a step in the process. It tells me Blake is serious about turning pro.
"He understands - we all understand - that now is the time to move forward. He's a terrific prospect, and I'm optimistic that we can work hard and get something done with it."
