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UW men's hockey: Turris signs with NHL's Phoenix Coyotes

Associated Press  —  3/31/2008 8:20 pm

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Phoenix Coyotes signed top draft pick Kyle Turris to an entry level contract on Monday.

The 18-year-old center was the third overall selection in the 2007 draft. Earlier this month, he was ranked as the second-best prospect in the NHL by Hockey News magazine.

Turris is expected to be in the Phoenix lineup for the Coyotes' final three games of the season beginning Thursday at home against Dallas. The Coyotes play at Dallas on Friday, before skating at Anaheim on Sunday.
The Coyotes were eliminated from playoff contention Sunday night.

Turris just completed his freshman year at the University of Wisconsin, where he became just the fourth rookie in program history to lead the team in scoring by posting 35 points in 36 games played (Joe Pavelski, Mike Eaves and Dennis Olmstead were the others).

He finished the season as the UW leader with 35 points, 24 assists and one short-handed goal, while ranking second with 114 shots and a plus-11 rating. He finished third with 11 goals and two game-winning tallies.

The WCHA Preseason Rookie of the Year, Turris was named All-WCHA third team and All-WCHA Rookie Team for his freshman season. He was the October CSTV/Commissioners' Choice Rookie of the Month and the WCHA Offensive Player of the Week for Oct. 23 after beginning his college career with five goals and 12 points in his first four games.

Turris becomes the first Badger since Ryan Suter in 2004 to leave after just one season wearing the Cardinal and White, and is the sixth early departure during the Mike Eaves coaching era.

He also helped Canada win the gold medal at the world junior championships earlier this year. Turris, born in New Westminster, British Columbia, tied for the Canadian team scoring lead with four goals and two assists.

In 2006-07, Turris was named most valuable player in the British Columbia Hockey League, with 66 points and 55 assists in 53 games with the Burnaby Express.

The signing gives the Coyotes each of its last three first-round picks under contract. The other two are Peter Mueller, eighth overall in 2006, and Martin Hanzal, 17th overall in 2005.

Early Departures to the NHL Under Eaves
Kyle Turris, fr., Phoenix Coyotes, 2008
Jack Skille, so., Chicago Blackhawks, 2007
Joe Piskula, jr., Los Angeles Kings, 2007
Robbie Earl, jr., Toronto Maple Leafs, 2006
Joe Pavelski, so., San Jose Sharks, 2006
Ryan Suter, fr., Nashville Predators, 2004

Four-Year Badgers in the NHL Under Eaves
Brian Elliott, Ottawa Senators, 2007
Jake Dowell, Chicago Blackhawks, 2007
Adam Burish, Chicago Blackhawks, 2006
Tom Gilbert, Edmonton Oilers, 2006
Rene Bourque, Chicago Blackhawks, 2004
Andy Wozniewski, Toronto Maple Leafs, 2004

Associated Press  —  3/31/2008 8:20 pm