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With the quickness and decisiveness he often displays on the ice, Kyle Turris wasted little time signing an entry-level contract to play for the Phoenix Coyotes, the team’s general manager Don Maloney announced Monday.
Less than 24 hours after the University of Wisconsin men’s hockey team’s season ended with a 3-2 overtime loss to North Dakota in the Midwest Regional Finals, the freshman made the decision to leave UW and play in the NHL. He becomes the first Badger since Ryan Suter in 2004 to go pro after just one season with the team.
Turris, 18, was an integral part of Wisconsin’s run to the regional final, leading the team in scoring with 35 points — 11 goals and 24 assists — in 36 games. For his efforts, Turris was named to the All-WCHA Third Team and All-WCHA Rookie Team. He was also ranked as the second-best NHL prospect in The Hockey News’ annual “Future Watch” issue earlier this month.
While the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder struggled at times during the grueling conference season, managing three points during one 10-game stretch, Phoenix looks forward to reuniting with its first selection (third overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
“We are very excited to sign Kyle and have him join the Coyotes organization,” Maloney said in a Coyotes press release. “He is a very talented player and is a big part of our future.”
The plan, Maloney said, is for Turris to get some NHL experience — as early as Thursday against the Dallas Stars — before the Coyotes’ season concludes April 6 against Anaheim. Turris is then expected to return to UW to complete the spring semester.
“By adding him to the roster, we hope to give him valuable experience that will help him heading into next season and beyond,” Maloney said.
In addition to skating for the Badgers this season, Turris played in the 2008 World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic in January. His team-leading eight points, including four goals, helped Team Canada win the gold medal.
With the signing, Phoenix now has each of its last three first-round picks under contract. Peter Mueller — the eighth selection in 2006 — and Martin Hanzal — the 17th pick in 2005 — are the other two.
