In his first media availability since being traded to the Nashville Predators, Kyle Turris admitted that talks on a potential contract extension with the Ottawa Senators weren’t progressing, which eventually led to the move.
“Things weren’t really working out with Ottawa in terms of extension,” Turris admitted. “And then the way [the trade] all happened, it was very quick.”
Turris’ deal was set to expire at the end of the season, but the Predators quickly signed him to a six-year extension following the trade.
Less than a week before, Nick Kypreos reported on Turris’ contract negotiations with the Senators during a Saturday Headlines segment, saying it was unlikely to get done because owner Eugene Melnyk didn’t support re-signing him for the contract he was asking.
“Everybody, for the most part, agrees that the marketplace for Kyle Turris is in the vicinity of $6.5 million [per season], ballpark, and he wants a minimum of seven or eight years,” Kypreos said. “Even if [Ottawa general manager Pierre] Dorion liked those numbers it appears that he does not have the support of his ownership. Eugene Melnyk doesn’t appear in any hurry to sign him to this type of contract.”
Now, Turris couldn’t be happier to be in Nashville with his new deal.
“I’m really excited to be here … Hearing so many good things about Nashville and seeing the team’s success last year and how well they’re set up for years to come, it was just something I was extremely excited about.”
Turris was sent to Nashville, while Matt Duchene went from the Colorado Avalanche to Ottawa in a three-team exchange that involved picks and prospects heading to the Avs.
The 28-year-old Turris has racked up three goals and six assists in 11 games so far this season.
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