Kyle Turris signs with Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes signed highly touted draft pick Kyle Turris to an entry-level contract on Monday.
Turris, 18, was taken by the Coyotes with the third overall selection in the 2007 draft in June. The six-foot, 170-pound centre just completed his freshman season at the University of Wisconsin, where he led the Badgers with 35 points — including 11 goals — in 36 games.
Kyle Turris led Team Canada with eight points at this year’s world junior championship.
(Jacques Boissinot/Canadian Press)
The native of New Westminster, B.C., was a key member of Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the world junior championship this year, leading the team with eight points in seven games.
“We are very excited to sign Kyle and have him join the Coyotes organization,” said Phoenix GM Don Maloney. “He is a very talented player and is a big part of our future. By adding him to the roster, we hope to give him valuable experience that will help him heading into next season and beyond.”
Prior to heading to Wisconsin, Turris starred for the Burnaby Express of the Tier II junior-A British Columbia Hockey League. He was named league MVP in 2006-07 after piling up 66 goals and 121 points in 53 games.
The Coyotes now have each of their last three first-round picks under contract, with centres Peter Mueller and Martin Hanzal about to finish their rookie NHL seasons. Mueller — chosen eighth overall in 2006 — has 53 points, while Martin Hanzal — 17th overall in 2005 — has 34 points.
Source: www.cbc.ca
