December 1st will mark the beginning or end to Kyle Turris’s 2011-12 NHL season. It has been well documented that Kyle Turris no longer wants to play in Phoenix. It is also well documented that Phoenix General Manager, Don Maloney has no intention of trading the disgruntled young center. If Turris does not sign a new contract with the Coyotes by December 1st, he will not be able to play in the NHL this season. Turris & company have expressed the desire to be traded to an organization that will treat him better. At this point in Turris’s young career, he does not have a leg to stand on for such a request.
This situation can be looked at in two ways. The obvious opinion is to get rid of the distraction for the team and the individual by trading Turris. The other opinion is to keep the player and not give in to such childish demands. Although the first opinion is fair and a valid option, the second opinion could be a more positive one for the development of prospects in the Phoenix system. The other young players in the organization cannot continue to see fellow youth get there way when things are tough. Too many prospects have requested trades or asked to be released from the Coyotes, and been granted the request. Part of being an inexperienced player in the NHL is learning every aspect of the game. Many great scorers in the collegiate and junior levels have turned into great NHL special team players. To play in the NHL, a player must be willing to work in all areas. Peter Mueller, Blake Wheeler, Wojtek Wolski, and Brett MacLean had given up on the organization for personal reasons. This has to stop at some point, and Turris is the perfect situation to stop the trend. Turris has had little production in his first taste of the NHL. He has been a disappointment to this point, but has showed signs of breaking out. It is very difficult to continue his improvement sitting home and demanding unrealistic things. This gives the Coyotes an advantage in the negotiations. Turris has trade value, but not nearly enough value that a 3rd round pick should possess. That can be put on Turris himself for the most part.
If Maloney does decide to trade Turris, it will be to a team willing to over spend for his potential. Rumors are floating around about several teams “seriously” interested in Turris’s services. I personally think that Turris would be best fit going to a team like the New York Islanders. The Islanders are not as dependent on defense, and loaded with young talent at the forward position for Turris to join. The Coyotes would more than likely have a choice of either Josh Bailey and/or Blake Comeau. This would serve a purpose for the Coyotes current and future roster. Although this swap may be unlikely, the teams in “hot” pursuit seem to be the Calgary Flames, and the Ottawa Senators. Calgary seems to be the most desperate team, and therefore the most likely trade partner. It could be very helpful to pry an established player such as Rene Bourque from Calgary. Ottawa has much youth and draft picks to keep the Coyotes management intrigued as well. This is all speculation, but anything is possible in the salary cap era. Maloney has stuck to his gun as of now, and I for one respect his stance.