Much Needed Turris Back

Don’t get me wrong, I am all for a slow development of an important player. In the case of Kyle Turris, if you took the effort to sign him and let him play the season then let him play the full season. This season is turning into a good lesson for the youngsters. Much hope surrounded this team after the prior season’s success and the Jokinen trade. But after a hot start to the season, this team has plummeted to second to last in the conference. Despite the disappointment, I think this will be a good season for this group of youngsters.
Peter Mueller had a phenomenal rookie season, but has struggled through his second year of play. In the end Mueller is going to understand more from this year than he did in his first season. Kyle Turris has gone through some struggles since entering the NHL, but success is right around the corner. Turris is a small player in stature, but he can take a hit and come right back to join the rush. Turris has the talent to help this club right now and in the future, whether Gretzky likes it or not. I think in the end, a similar move to Mueller’s swap to the wing last year will do Turris well. This organization needs to find some better centermen for their young forwards. With the speed and passing skills that Turris possesses, he can do some damage from the wing.
This organization needs to realize that the trend of the Western Conference is no longer soft, speedy winning teams. Teams like the Ducks, Sharks, Flames, and Red Wings have built their teams with some big boys. More importantly these big players are playing big roles on the top two lines. It is painfully obvious that as soon as the current Coyotes get a puck deep in the offensive zone, it is only a matter of time before they are over powered and taken from the puck. This team lacks a big force that can keep the puck on the boards and make a smart pass. Skilled passers like Turris need to be able to have some room on the ice to be creative. Turris needs to be moved from center to wing to improve his progress. Until Turris can match up physically with the rest of the NHL, give the kid a chance to show his true talents on the wing. The one problem will be finding a center that can play a responsible center position along side Turris.
I think a main target for the Coyotes this summer would be Nik Antropov. Antropov is a big center that is just starting to find his game. He can be a powerful force in the offensive zone, and combined with Hanzal create some real size on the top 2 lines. Another center that could fill an important 3rd or 4th line role next year would be John Madden. Madden has the experience of winning and can play in many situations whether penalty kill or late game situations. He would also be a huge help in the faceoff circle to a team which ranks in the bottom of face off categories. Surrounding the young wingers with a responsible center like Madden could enhance development while winning some tight hockey games. If these two centers do not work out, it would be nice to add some size on the wing with a veteran 30 goal scorer like Mike Knuble. Knuble would compliment either Mueller or Turris on the opposite wing, punching in crisp passes for points all around. These men are not the class of the upcoming free agent market, so spending money wisely is a necessity this offseason.