The Phoenix Coyotes have dealt controversial center Kyle Turris to the Ottawa Senators for defenseman David Rundblad and a second round draft pick, according to multiple sources. The deal comes just a few weeks after the Coyotes were finally able to come to a contract agreement with Turris, who demanded more money and in-turn missed the first 19 games of the season.
Rundblad, a 21-year-old native of Lycksele, Sweden played four seasons with Skelleftea HC from 2007-08 through 2010-11 registering 12-61-73 and 36 penalty minutes (PIM) in 153 regular season games. In 40 career postseason games, Rundblad recorded 4-9-13 and 13 PIM. He won a bronze medal as an alternate captain with Sweden at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship, and a silver medal at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship.
"We are very excited to have David join our organization," said GM Don Maloney. "He is a young, highly skilled defenseman with superior offensive sense. We look forward to David joining us in the desert and becoming an important player for us in the future."
It is a shame to see Turris leave the club, especially after so many viewed him as a potential cornerstone to build around, but it was for the best after negotiations turned ugly in the offseason. As for Rundblad, the young defenseman has a ton of talent and could potentially be one of the better scoring defensemen in the league within a few years. The second round pick will also pay dividend in 2012 at the draft.
For more on the deal, head on over to Five For Howling.