Ottawa Senators: Kyle Turris 2017-2018 Season Preview
Today we have our final player preview for the Ottawa Senators. The number one center who has grown into an elite player in recent years, Kyle Turris.
When Kyle Turris came to the Ottawa Senators he came as a rehabilitation project of sorts. After being drafted 3rd overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2007 he had a rocky relationship with their management. He had a contract holdout and eventually requested a trade. At the time his numbers had been unspectacular and he seemed like he could be heading in a bust trajectory. He requested a trade and the Sens acquired him for David Runblad and a second round pick.
Steady Growth
Since joining the Sens Turris has seen steady improvement to the point where he is now worthy of being a number one center in the NHL. Although he does have weaknesses defensively, he has become particularly potent in the offensive part of the game. When healthy he can be relied upon to generate upwards of 60 points.
This past season Turris had another solid season for the Ottawa Senators. In 78 games he put up 27 goals and 55 points. In a season where a new very defensive system was implemented Turris still found a way to score. Later, in the playoffs he contributed 10 points in 19 games.
Next: Ottawa Senators: Mike Hoffman 2017-2018 Season Preview
Elite And Underrated
This past season was a year of transition for the Ottawa Senators. Under Guy Boucher the team adapted a new very defensive system. As a result many players were slow to adapt from the previous run and gun offensive strategy they had. This could definitely result in some players struggling to score more than they normally would even in this system. As a result it can be expected that after a year of experience, this team and Turris can have more success next season offensively. When puck drops Turris will be set up between Mark Stone and Mike Hoffman. Expect nothing but elite play from one of the most underrated centers in the league.