MIGHTY DUCKS : Ferreira Says Otto Is High on His List

It’s free-agent season in the NHL, and time for the Mighty Ducks to back up their promise that they will be active in the free-agent market for the first time.

After signing only free agents at the low end of the salary list in the team’s first two years, General Manager Jack Ferreira said he has contacted the agent for center Joel Otto, a 10-year veteran and unrestricted free agent from the Calgary Flames who is one of the premier players available.

But is the 6-foot-4 Otto, 32, known for his two-way play and leadership, interested in the Ducks?

“It’s really a question of whether he feels he wants to come this way or is looking for a team he feels can win right away,” said Ferreira, who spoke to Otto’s agent, Don Baizley, but said he will not make a formal offer unless Otto responds that he is interested.

“He’s a guy we’d most like to have,” said Ferreira, who was responsible for signing Otto in 1984 when Ferreira was a Calgary scout. “He fits what we’re looking for.”

Otto was scheduled to make $550,000 last season, when he had eight goals and 13 assists in the 48-game season.

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Duck Notes

First-round draft pick Chad Kilger is one of the players the team hopes might fill its need for a big center, but contract negotiations haven’t begun. The $850,000 entry-level salary cap won by management during the labor dispute won’t necessarily make signing top draft picks a cinch, said Ferreira. “Bonuses aren’t included,” Ferreira said. “They’ll want a $100,000 bonus if his heart is beating and $150,000 for the number of sticks he uses.” Ferreira would like to sign Kilger before training camp opens Sept. 10. . . . Assistant coach Tim Army is the head coach of the U.S. 18-and-under team that will compete Aug. 2-7 in the Pacific Cup tournament in Japan. . . . Two Duck prospects, defenseman Rocky Welsing and left wing Jon Battaglia, will compete in the Olympic Festival this month in Colorado.