TURRIS ASKS FOR TRADE

The Kyle Turris stalemate with the Phoenix Coyotes continues to drag on. As per a story today from Pierre Lebrun of ESPN, he has confirmed that the 2007 3rd overall pick has asked for a trade.

By Pierre LeBrun
ESPN.com

The standoff between Kyle Turris and the Phoenix Coyotes was taken up a notch Thursday.

Kurt Overhardt, the agent for the unsigned center, confirmed that Turris has asked the Coyotes for a trade.

"This has never been about money, we've been upfront with the club from Day 1," Overhardt told ESPN.com Thursday. "We've respectfully requested that the player had the opportunity to move forward in his career by having a fresh start."

Coyotes general manager Don Maloney's stance has been that he wouldn't trade Turris. And that hasn't changed.

"The CBA gives us certain rights to Turris and we are exercising our rights," Maloney told ESPN.com in an email Thursday. "There will be a point in the future Turris will have the right to decide who he wants to play for and how much he will accept.

"He is not at this stage, given his age and experience. If he wants to play in the NHL this season, he will re-sign with us. We will not trade his rights under any circumstances and are prepared to live with the consequences if he decides to sit out this, and future, seasons."

The no-trade stance confounds Overhardt.

"I know that the Coyotes' organization can benefit significantly by moving this asset," Overhardt said. "As a Group 2 free agent and speaking to several teams -- which I won't name -- I know that there's a number of clubs that have put forth significant offers to the Coyotes' organization which include valuable assets which would benefit Phoenix."

If Turris isn't signed by Dec. 1, he cannot play this season, according to the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

"I'm confident that we'll be able to work this important matter out with the Coyotes' organization so as to benefit both parties," Overhardt said.

Turris, 22, had 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 65 games for the Coyotes last season. He has 46 points (19-27) in 131 career NHL games. He was the third overall pick in the 2007 draft.

Pierre LeBrun covers the NHL for ESPN.com.