Why Kyle Turris will have a break out season
Kyle Turris was drafted 3rd overall in the 2007 entry draft by the Phoenix Coyotes, but hasn’t quit lived up to the hype in his early years in the NHL. This year just might be when all that changes.
Turris turned heads while playing junior hockey and was a top commodity in the 2007 draft. In 3 years of NHL experience though, Turris has only amassed 46 points: 19 goals and 27 assists. This is not nearly what scouts expected from him.
The question remains the same with Turris, why hasn’t he succeeded yet and when will he have a breakout year? Perhaps we saw a glimpse into a bright future in the Coyotes playoff series against the Red Wings last season when Turris scored a goal and had 2 assists. Perhaps that was just another offensive spurt for Turris and he will have another quiet season. I would like to believe that is the start to big things for him.
Here is why:
Last year was Turris’ best statistical season to date. In 65 games he scored 11 goals and added 14 assists. The major improvement in his game though was on the defensive side of the puck. In 2010, Turris was a -15, but last year he was a +/- 0. His ability to win face-offs and play sound hockey in the defensive zone got him more ice time and gave him more opportunities. Turris logged 55:19 of ice time in the Red Wings series last year.
Turris is also only 22. He is very young and, as his stats show, has learned something every year he has been in the league. Hockey is a thinking mans game, and Turris is beginning to realize that. As his career progresses, look for Turris to assume more of a leadership role as his hockey IQ grows.
The Coyotes are going to need a player to step up as a goal scorer this year, and I think that will be Turris. He is a crafty player with a sneaky quick shot. He has the skills to become a dangerous, consistent scorer for the Coyotes. The question though is if he can be consistent.
I think Coyote fans should expect Turris to be a consistent goal scorer this year and a leader on this team. If Turris can hone his skills and be smart with the puck, the sky is the limit.
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