Phoenix Coyotes centre Kyle Turris will likely make his 2011-12 season debut on Thursday when the Coyotes visit Winnipeg to play the Jets.
After a lengthy holdout and a trade request, the Coyotes signed the 22-year-old to a US$2.8 million two-year contract on Nov. 22.
Though the club considered sending Turris down to its AHL franchise in Portland for a conditioning stint, that idea was scrapped when Turris passed his physical with flying colours.
“Kyle has returned in phenomenal condition,” Maloney told the press. “We skated him hard two days in a row, and he looks strong and in shape, so we’ve decided to keep him with us."
Turris had been hoping to force a trade out of Phoenix by sitting out since the start of training camp, but Maloney refused to move him. A deal was struck before the Dec. 1 deadline, which would have forced an unsigned Turris to sit out the remainder of this season.
“I am happy to sign with Phoenix and start playing,” Turris said in a statement after the signing. “It’s been a long process, but now I am focused on playing and helping the team win.”
A native of New Westminster, B.C., Turris has 46 points (19-27) in 131 career NHL games. Last season with Phoenix, the third overall pick in 2007 had 11 goals and 25 points in 65 games.
