I have hoped for years that the Canucks would invest in local talent. It was great to see GM Mike Gillis loosen the purse strings and acquire Smithers' native Dan Hamhuis in last year's UFA rush, enter the collegiate UFA market by bringing in Revelstoke's Aaron Volpatti - and yes, Andrew Ebbet cut his teeth with Salmon Arm of the BCHL.
It's understandable that Vancouver fans would like to see local talent doing well for the home team but it's not just the novelty that makes sense but the understanding of what it means to be a Canuck. SinceKyle Turris has held out in Phoenix internet rumors have swirled about the Canuck's interest in acquiring the New Westminster product. If there were any truth to it I would have to think that the David Booth trade has all but killed that plan.
There's no way with the Canucks over-abundance of in-house options to play with Booth and Kesler on the second line that they would give up assets just to try Kyle Turris in that position, and it's unlikely they'd want to add that kind of salary for third line duty.
That said, I wouldn't be upset if they did, I just don't see it happening. It does beg the question what is a hold-out Kyle Turris worth? He really hasn't lived up to the hype (yet) and Phoenix is in a tough position, so could you scoop him - sure.
If Kyle Turris was just underperforming this season and quietly asked for a trade he might be worth an even-up trade for CoHo, but as it stands he could be had for a bargain. His contract requests are an obvious ploy to get out of the desert so it's feasible he would sign in his home province for a realistic salary.
He was nearly a point per game performer as a rookie in College and has produced excellent AHL numbers but that hasn't added up to impressive NHL stats tallying 46 points in 131 NHL games, but he was grossly misused in a offensively starved Phoenix system. You can't deny the talent level and put in a situation to succeed we might just see him blossom. He's a pass first player so he would fit well with two 30+ goal guys in Kess and Booth and can play both wing and centre.
It's all in fantasy land for now anyway, but if it did happen the glut of wingers would have to be reduced by moving a position player for Turris. Even as a hold out Turris should fetch a higher price than Janik Hansen; he has been widely rumored to be a part of a potential deal and has not played up to potential this season. Hansen plus a pick for Turris - would you be happy?
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