Could Marty Turco be this years Martin Biron?

Long time netminder of the Dallas Stars organization, Marty Turco, is still available for a team looking to shore up some veteran presence between the pipes.

Last year Martin Biron took until July 22nd to sign a deal, one of the last of the UFA season, with the New York Islanders. Originally hoping he would get a call to be a starter somewhere after back to back seasons of helping the Philadelphia Flyers make the post-season. However, his demands were too high and the market closed down quick.

This year, Turco seems to be a similar position.

James O’Brien of ProHockeyTalk on NBC gives a list of “justified” teams who he feels should take a chance on Turco whether it be a one year or multi-year deal.  Some I agree with, some I do not.

However, opinions are what we are all entitled to and James did a good job in presenting his argument for each team.

I, like I said, agree with some and feel that there should be another team or two added to those that I do agree with.

Of course, Jose Theodore is still available as well, but if GM’s have the same mind set as fans do (which they do not), Mr. “Three-or-more” will not be signing on the dotted line anytime soon.  Foolish?  Absolutely. Theodore took a defenseless Capitals team and helped them capture the Presidents Trophy as the best team in the National Hockey League.

But that is another story for another time.

As James points out in his article, and two teams that I agree with are the Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers.

However, Turco shot down the Flyers offer which was likely a lowball, incentive laden offer due to the current salary cap situation the Flyers are in.

The Oilers would be a nice place for Turco as an insurance policy of sorts with all the turmoil surrounding Nikolai Khabibulin from his regressed rehabilitation from back surgery along with his troubles with the law.

The New York Islanders are an option.  Yes Dwayne Roloson was able to perform at a level no one expected last season, but at 41 years old and only one year remaining on his contract it would be ideal for the Islanders to ship ‘Roli’ to a team who is looking for a veteran back-up presence or someone in a #1a role.  A team like Nashville for one year to further the development of starting goaltender Pekka Rinne could be an option but one that is unlikely.

The question is, what exactly is Turco waiting for? The market for a goaltender is very slim at this stage in the game. If Turco is seeking security on top of significant salary, it may be time to start reconsidering his thoughts.

As the summer strolls along, the free agent frenzy has come to almost a complete stop.  As hockey fans world wide hope to see the action pick up soon, I’m sure Turco (and a few of the other “big” names) is willing to wait it out a few more weeks but how smart of an idea is that?

Just ask Martin Biron.  To remind those who may not have been paying attention, Biron was the very first unrestricted free agent to sign a contract on July 1st, 2010.  He is now a member of the New York Rangers playing a veteran back up role to star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.