Posted by 
Dallas Stars G Mart Turco - Photo Texas Mustang/Flickr
By Rick Gethin
The Hockey Writers
The off-season is in full swing in the Lone Star state; the grass is green, the refreshments are cold and Stars goaltender Marty Turco might be on the trading block. Having not reached the benchmarks built into his No Trade Clause, might we see Turco put out to pasture?
Marty Turco finished the season with a 2.81 GAA (30th), a .898 SV% (41st) and 3 SO; going 33-31-10. He played a monster 4327 minutes over 74 games. By any stretch of the imagination, not a stellar performance for your #1 goalie. He’s slated to make (I hesitate to say earn with those stats) $5.7 million in the last year of his contract. Do they cut the leash now? Or should the organization hope that he has a much better 2009-10 season?
There would be interest in a team aquiring a veteran netminder with a career 2.26 GAA and .911 SV%. The Philadelphia Flyers come to mind as they have no goalies signed going into next season as of yet. But with roughly $50 million already committed by the Flyers in player salary, Turco’s cap hit would be a hard pill to swallow.
Here’s what The Sports Network has to say about Turco:
Assets: Is extremely athletic. Moves well across the crease and has a great glove hand. Makes spectacular saves look easy and handles the puck with panache.
Flaws: When he loses focus, he goes into a bit of a tailspin that can last for several games. Can be beaten upstairs because he’s undersized.
Career Potential: No. 1 Goaltender.
With the potential of Matt Climie having been seen and up and coming prospect Richard Bachman, Marty Turco’s days in the “Big D” might very much be numbered. Although he’s a fan favorite, the organization needs to do what’s best for the team. And that just might be getting what they can, while they can, in a Turco trade. It’s shaping up to be an interesting summer in Dallas.
Some Other Articles That You May Enjoy:
In Marty we trust!
November rolls in…
Turco leads Stars!
Turco the Terrible!
Wings Dump to Stars In Embarrassing Fashion
Sharks-Stars: Evgeni Nabokov May Be on the Lam
We hope you enjoyed this post. As always, leaving a comment below is both appreciated and encouraged. Thanks!
Good stuff Rick. This article made it on Puck Daddy’s blog.
[...] playing off of an article Rick Gethin wrote entitled, “Is it time to trade Marty Turco,” I would go so far as to say that I have a difficult time doubting the ability of Tobias Stephan [...]