|
Displaying pretext
This past week, Don Maloney made a minor acquisition in Cal O'Reilly, who was had from the Nashville Predators for a fourth round pick. A close to replacement level center, O'Reilly is projected to be worth 2.6 GVT this coming season.
Which just happens to be holdout Kyle Turris' projection as well. The former third overall pick remains locked in to a battle of wills with the Phoenix Coyotes GM, apparently determined to find his way out of the organization long before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Turris' end-game is obvious. Things are more complicated for Maloney, however: he must balance the market perception of the asset itself with the continued management of a club that is beset by all sorts of external concerns. Expunging the obviously disgruntled employee seems to be the most obvious route, but the Coyotes are a club that must guard both leverage and assets as jealously as possible given their rather tenuous position as a moribund hockey market and ward of the state.
Many are questioning Maloney's continued obstinacy when it comes to dealing Turris. While trade rumors continue to fly, including the claim that up to a half a dozen NHL clubs have made significant offers for the youngster, Maloney continues to greet such news with the flat assertion that Turris will either play in Phoenix or nowhere this season. It seems strange to let fruit rot on the vine when it could be dealt for something useful instead, but Maloney likely has two reasons for perpetuating this stance.
| 
0 comments have been left for this article. 
Player Power Rankings: Niemi Vaults To Top