Why All the Hullabaloo Over Turris?

For much of this season, many Sens fans have been calling for the Ottawa Senators to trade for disgruntled Phoenix centre and RFA Kyle Turris.  The former 3rd overall pick in the 2007 draft has completed his entry level contract and is holding out for a deal as he no longer wants to play in the desert.

Phoenix management has dug in their heels and are on the record that he will not be dealt until he has signed a contract with the Coyotes.  The stalemate has shown no signs of letting up, and the deadline of Dec 1 is fast approaching for Turris to sign a contract to be able to play anywhere in the NHL this season.

I have heard many fans suggest that Turris would solve the problems the Senators have at the #2 centre spot behind Jason Spezza.  I am not convinced that he would be an upgrade on what is currently in the system.  The 6’1″, 190 lb Turris has played parts of 3 seasons in Phoenix, amassing 19 goals and 27 assists for 46 points in 131 NHL games.

By contrast,  Peter Regin, who (when healthy) is Ottawa’s #2 centre of the moment, is 18-33-51 in 146 NHL games.  They have put up very similar numbers, and I would argue that Regin is better in his own end than Turris, is a bit bigger and he is a left handed shot.  Why would that matter?  Spezza is a right handed shot and Regin offers a change of pace and a different look for their wingers as well. Stephane Da Costa has been the fill-in at centre on the second line since Regin’s shoulder injury, and although has only 4 points so far this season, has shown the potential to be a contributor as he gets more experience.  Also, looking further ahead into the future, Mika Zibanejad is likely the Plan A for second line centre going forward.  Turris would create a logjam at centre after this season the future, and while that is usually never a problem, finding enough playing time for them all could be troublesome.

By the way, Turris has 3 points in 4 playoff games, while Regin has 4 points in 6 postseason matches.

So does Turris have enough of a track record to merit dealing for?  It depends on the price that is demanded from the Coyotes.  Obviously no team valued his services enough to warrant an offer sheet, and the list of teams reportedly interested in obtaining him isn’t really that long.  Rumours are that the Flames and Senators are interested, but the line really ends there.

Is Turris an offensive threat on the verge of breaking out, or is he another tale of potential unreached? He was touted as a potential #1 pick coming into his draft year after putting up 121 points in the BCHL.  But when lining up against comparable talent, he has not exactly set the world on fire.

Is Turris really a legitimate #2 centre in the NHL?   Is he a better option than the trio of Regin, DaCosta and Zibanejad going forward?

It seems there are more questions than answers when it comes to this player, and quite frankly I don’t think its worth the risk, especially given his Heatley-esque trade demands and propensity to hold out to get what he wants.  We didn’t even mention his apparent demand for a contract in the range of  $3-$4 Million annually, which created the holdout in the first place.

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