Where Will Turco End Up?
Heading into the third week of National Hockey League free-agency and former Dallas Stars starting goaltender Marty Turco still has not been signed, and it does not look as though any team is close to tying up the 34 year-old.
Marty Turco
Turco was not drafted by an Ontario Hockey League team and therefore chose to sign with a Junior B hockey club at age 17. Turco played two seasons in the Ontario Hockey Association before agreeing to a scholarship with the University of Michigan.
Turco ended up winning two national championships at the University, and collected several accolades including rookie of the year, tournament MVP and earned several All-star selections. His success led to being drafted in the fifth round 124th overall by the Dallas Stars in the 1994 NHL entry draft.
Upon finishing school Turco went to play for the Stars International Hockey League affiliate the Michigan K-Wings. That season Turco earned the IHL rookie of the year honours. Turco spent another season with the K-Wings before being brought up to back-up Eddie Balfour.
Turco spent two seasons behind Balfour before being named the starting goalie for the 2002-03 season. He had a wonderful break-out season, setting an NHL record for goals against average at 1.72 and posting an astonishing .932 save percentage. The following season Turco was just as good, this time playing in 73 regular season games, nabbing 37 wins with a save percentage of .913. The following season Turco notched a career high 41 wins. Turco continued to post good numbers even when the Stars began to fall in the standings. Last year playing on a below average side Turco still managed another .913 save percentage and a respectable 2.72 goals against average. Despite all his regular season success Turco was never been able to lead the Stars past the first round of the playoffs.
Who is in the Running?
San Jose
With $6 million left in salary cap space and only forward Devin Setoguchi left to sign as a high profile restricted free agent, the San Jose Sharks may be in the market for Turco’s services. The Sharks were swept in the Western Conference finals of last year’s playoffs by the Chicago Blackhawks, and are in need of a team upgrade if they are going to reach the finals for next season. Last year’s starting goaltender Evgeni Nabokov left for Russia’s Kontinetal Hockey League this off-season, and general manager Doug Wilson must find a replacement. If Turco were willing to take a salary of around $2 million the Sharks could sign the Sault Ste. Marie native.
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers may be another team in need of Turco in time for next season. The Flyers appear to have let Ray Emery walk and may be in the market to upgrade from last year’s playoff tandem of Michael Leighton and Brian Boucher. Although both Leighton and Boucher performed well in the playoffs last year, Turco would certainly be seen as an upgrade. The Flyers however, are currently above the league’s salary cap and will have to move a player in order to employ Turco. Nevertheless, with a move looking immanent GM Mike Holmgren could clear up enough space to sign the goalie to a $2 million deal.
A few other clubs may also be in the market for Turco, the Atlanta Thrashers have locked up Chris Mason with a cheap contract and could be looking for a goalie in which he can split time. For an aging Turco this is a strong proposal from an up and coming club. The Chicago Blackhawks may also have to move Antti Niemi and if Turco is cheap enough they could be a nice fit.
No matter where Turco ends up he will bring with him a litany of regular season success, and he will certainly be prepared to add playoff success as well.
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