Kyle Turris should be given a shot

An article on ESPN’s Cross Checks Blog, asked if Phoenix Coyotes prospect Kyle Turris will get his shot this season. He has underperformed and is asking for a large contract, possibly reflecting a major ego issue.

I can’t deny that Turris’ play hasn’t been up to par. His 19 goals in 131 games as a center is pretty dismal and he looks young on the ice.

His rumored contract demands of either a three-year deal worth $4 million annually or a two-year deal worth $3 million annually is on par with fellow 2007 draftees Patrick Kane and James van Riemsdyk. The problem with that demand is Kane was a huge asset to a Stanley Cup and van Riemsdyk has made himself into a go-to center for a team in playoff contention more times than not.

The Coyotes won’t pay his ridiculous wage demands and they shouldn’t. Turris hasn’t earned that kind of cash. He needs to lower his ego and service charge and take a one- or two-year deal worth $1.5 million a year at most. If he doesn’t work out, that deal would be easier to stomach in a potential trade.

With a lack of bargaining chips and a lot of youth on the squad, the Coyotes need to make do with what they have. Right now, that’s Kyle Turris.

At first glance, Turris seems like a lot to pay for not a lot of fireworks – not unlike paying to see an overhyped movie Apollo 18 on a Friday night – but he has potential.

Turris’ youth is both a con and a pro. For every mistake he makes, he comes up with a brilliant pass. For every shot he misses, he makes a great poke check.

Don’t get me wrong, the kid has a lot to learn, but he’s finally in a place to do it. With the arrival of Daymond Langkow, Turris is facing a season playing, at best, on the third line. A line that recently lost Lee Stempniak to said trade. A line that needs workers.

It’s time for Turris to go to work, but the Coyotes need to make the first move and give him what he needs – one last chance.

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