Sherry Bassin, Erie Otters managing partner and general manager, said Wednesday that he’s involved in serious trade discussions involving Andrew Yogan, a 19-year-old forward and four-year OHL veteran.

Bassin declined to name the interested club and the timetable for a completed deal. But an unnamed league source considers an undisclosed Eastern Conference team as the frontrunner ahead of several other Eastern and Western conference teams. A trade could be finalized by the end of the week, the source said.

“I can’t really judge and tell you that it’s imminent or not imminent,” said Bassin, who wants “whatever fits” in return for Yogan – be it players, draft picks or both.

Bassin has made Yogan aware of the trade talks. He expects Yogan would waive his no-trade clause if a deal is completed.

“It’s a numbers game,” Bassin said, referring to Yogan. On Tuesday, Bassin alluded to having Mike Cazzola and Brett Thompson, who combined for 63 goals and 151 points this past season, for a full season. Cazzola missed two months in 2010-11 with a broken wrist. Thompson was acquired in January from Sault Ste. Marie. That likely would leave the final OA spot on defense for Brett Cook or Derek Holden. Bassin said trade talks involving other undisclosed players besides Yogan are ongoing.

- Victor Fernandes

Check out this story on Yogan from the New York Rangers’ website.