Chicitysports
  • BEARS
  • BULLS
  • BLACKHAWKS
  • CUBS
  • WHITE SOX
  • MESSAGE BOARD
Navigation
  • About Us
  • Chicago Sports News
  • Chicago Sports Podcasts
  • ChiCity+
  • Get In Touch
  • Join Our Group
  • Newsletter
  • Our Writers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Trending
  • Chicago Bears wide receiver states the coaching staff isn’t putting players in position to succeed
  • BREAKING: Two Chicago Bears Starters Ruled OUT for Week 4 vs Denver Broncos
  • The Ultimate Guide to the Best UK Online Betting Sites by The Punters Page
  • David Montgomery creates shameful stat for the Chicago Bears
  • Connor Bedard was not a fan of someone walking on Blackhawks logo
  • From A Distance: Clock close to midnight for Cubs
  • The Chicago Bears Are So Bad, That Even TV Stations are Avoiding Them at All Costs
  • Chicago Bears wide receiver named as trade piece for New England Patriots
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Our Writers
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
ChicitysportsChicitysports
  • BEARS

    Chicago Bears wide receiver states the coaching staff isn’t putting players in position to succeed

    September 29, 2023

    BREAKING: Two Chicago Bears Starters Ruled OUT for Week 4 vs Denver Broncos

    September 29, 2023

    David Montgomery creates shameful stat for the Chicago Bears

    September 29, 2023

    The Chicago Bears Are So Bad, That Even TV Stations are Avoiding Them at All Costs

    September 28, 2023

    Chicago Bears wide receiver named as trade piece for New England Patriots

    September 28, 2023
  • BULLS

    Report suggests Chicago Bulls are a team on point guard’s trade list

    September 28, 2023

    Report: Jrue Holiday is still on the move, could Bulls show interest?

    September 27, 2023

    Rumor: Bulls trying to get in on the Damian Lillard Sweepstakes

    September 20, 2023

    Why is Lonzo Ball promoting Big Baller Brand again?

    September 20, 2023

    Paris Saint-Germain unveils 2023-24 Jordan Brand kit

    September 19, 2023
  • BLACKHAWKS

    Connor Bedard was not a fan of someone walking on Blackhawks logo

    September 29, 2023

    Blackhawks Lose Associate General Manager before Preseason Begins

    September 21, 2023

    Chicago GM Davidson says Blackhawks focus is on development

    September 19, 2023

    Chicago Blackhawks: Kyle Davidson makes major announcement on 2023-24 team captain

    September 19, 2023

    Connor Bedard puts on a show in his Blackhawks debut

    September 17, 2023
  • CUBS

    From A Distance: Clock close to midnight for Cubs

    September 29, 2023

    From A Distance: What more can the Cubs endure?

    September 28, 2023

    From A Distance: Seiya Suzuki’s costly error hurts Cubs

    September 27, 2023

    Cubs, Baseball Fans in Disbelief after Massive Gaffe

    September 26, 2023

    Two Key Chicago Cubs Continue to Work their Way Back

    September 26, 2023
  • WHITE SOX

    White Sox Hire New Assistant GM

    September 19, 2023

    White Sox Game Last Night in D.C. has Fans Debating on Social Media

    September 19, 2023

    Mike Clevinger Accomplished a Rare Feat Monday Night

    September 19, 2023

    Chicago White Sox Reliever, Knowingly Pitched Through Injury

    September 14, 2023

    White Sox Fans Grill Team After New General Manager Announcement

    August 31, 2023
  • MESSAGE BOARD
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Chicitysports
Home»Blackhawks»Should The Blackhawks Consider Re-Signing Marty Turco?
Blackhawks

Should The Blackhawks Consider Re-Signing Marty Turco?

Zack PearsonBy Zack PearsonJuly 26, 20114 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Email
Screen shot 2011 07 25 at 7.04.38 PM1
Screen shot 2011 07 25 at 7.04.38 PM1
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

After the 2010 season, Marty Turco made the biggest decision of his career by deciding not to return to Dallas, where he had spent all 9 seasons of his career there, because he had one goal in mind: “I want to win a Stanley Cup.” At that point of his career (in the 2010 offseason) at age 35 with a Stars franchise that had been slipping in the standings year after year, it was time for a change of scenery and quite frankly, he isn’t getting any younger.

Turco turned down plenty of opportunities from teams in the hunt desperately searching for a goaltender, but he didn’t bite because he felt that none of them gave him the best chance to win the ultimate prize. The Chicago Blackhawks were at the very top of his wish list and would eventually make a large pay cut to sign with them.

Screen shot 2011 07 25 at 7.04.38 PM1

Now, the door seems to be closing very quickly now that young goaltender Alexander Salak seems to be the sure backup, but I’m a little surprised the Blackhawks have not mentioned bringing back Marty Turco despite a rollercoaster year. Fans were quick to dismiss him after a career low statistically, but it goes beyond statistics.

Turco is regarded as one of the classiest players in the league. His character, positive attitude, and leadership are what teams thrive for, and he showed it in all of 2011. He entered last season as their clear #1 goaltender, but ended up (officially) losing his starting job to Corey Crawford in December. It probably wasn’t the scenario Turco had in mind after signing a 1-year deal with Chicago, but he never complained about his playing time after he lost his starting role. Not once. Sure, he was probably bummed and a little disappointed, but he always held his head high and kept a positive attitude, especially in the locker room. The 10-year veteran expressed his commitment to the team, fans, and city that he was willing to take sacrifices no matter how big they were; as long as it gave him a shot for his name to be engraved in the Stanley Cup for the first time in his career.

Marty Turco will turn 36 years old this August. So, why bring him back? Here are some reasons why:

1. To support Corey Crawford for a full NHL season… Look, if there was any pressure on Corey Crawford to perform at a high level, it was last year and he exceeded expectations immensely. But can he handle the pressure of being a goaltender that can lead by example in any scenario (on/off the ice, struggling, etc.) to a future young, possible star in Alexander Salak? Ehh, probably, but I’m sure many fans would be a lot more comfortable if Turco could support Crawford for one more full season. I’m not saying Turco should be brought back to “babysit” Crawford, think more of it as a stepping-stone. On top of it, Wade Flaherty, developmental goaltending coach, joined the Winnipeg Jets last week after 3 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, so why not re-sign Turco tokeep Crawford in a comfort zone?

2. Alexander Salak can develop as a #1 goalie in Rockford… Recent reports have stated that Salak’s development in Europe have been outstanding; however, jumping right into the NHL straight from a European league is a huge transition for anyone, especially a rookie playing a position that is the most important. Another thing to keep in mind is that the Rockford Icehogs have a slim depth chart at the goaltending position. It would make sense for Alexander Salak to develop in Rockford as a #1 goalie and start his professional career with a small step on the right foot rather than making a big leap to the NHL.

3. Marty Turco hasn’t drawn any interest from other teams, I’m sure he’ll take a pay-cut… I’m pretty sure that Turco is not at that point of his career yet to call it quits. So, if he’s not receiving calls from other teams, don’t you think he would re-sign with Chicago for cheaper than he signed for in 2010 just so he can get a gig somewhere?

With these factors in play, it makes quite a bit of sense to bring back veteran goaltender Marty Turco for just one year to a deal even less than $1 million. What’s the rush with Alexander Salak anyways? Just because he’s cheap, doesn’t necessarily mean he’s the best option. He very well could be a great option, but it would be a lot smarter for him to ease his way into the NHL, just like Corey Crawford did. No need to rush!

messagebordbanner

For More Great Chicago Sports Content

Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
The Worst Things Bart Simpson Has Ever Done Ranked
Zack Pearson
  • Twitter

Writer based out of Chicago that loves covering sports as well as history and Americana. Big fan of The Simpsons and reality TV.

Related Posts

Blackhawks September 29, 2023

Connor Bedard was not a fan of someone walking on Blackhawks logo

Blackhawks September 21, 2023

Blackhawks Lose Associate General Manager before Preseason Begins

Blackhawks September 19, 2023

Chicago GM Davidson says Blackhawks focus is on development

Blackhawks September 19, 2023

Chicago Blackhawks: Kyle Davidson makes major announcement on 2023-24 team captain

Blackhawks September 17, 2023

Connor Bedard puts on a show in his Blackhawks debut

Blackhawks September 14, 2023

Blackhawks receive green light on Fifth Third Arena expansion

4 Comments

  1. CI on July 25, 2011 8:42 pm

    Turco didn’t make the decision to leave Dallas, it was made for him (Nieuwendyk was not re-signing him).

    The Turco door has closed. He’ll find work somewhere else or with a network (if he can loosen up).

  2. Charlie Roumeliotis on July 25, 2011 8:54 pm

    Yup, the Turco door is just about to be shut if it hasn’t been shut already. I’m surprised they haven’t at least considered bringing him back. Would have loved to see him support Crawford for 1 more year… Thanks for the read!

  3. Pete on July 25, 2011 9:22 pm

    I don’t think the Hawks should close te door so fast. As of right now they only have 3 goalies signed for next season.

    I’m not saying it will happen, but what if Crawford suffers a sophomore slump? It would be nice to see a veteran backup there for Craw to lean on.

    Turco and the Hawks had trouble with the defense early last season. Turco can’t take all the blame.

  4. Charlie Roumeliotis on July 25, 2011 11:36 pm

    I’m not getting a lot of love on Facebook for this article, but I’m not too sure they get it or if they even read it… Thanks for the read and comment, Pete! I definitely agree that Stan Bowman shouldn’t close the door on it yet, but it seems as if he already has. I think it’s a risky move heading into the season with such a young duo in Crawford-Salak… What if Crawford gets injured? struggles? etc… need that veteran backup for support just one more year to keep him in a comfort zone! After the season, Crawford would be more than ready and Salak would take the next step to the NHL.

Leave A Reply

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Team Message Boards

bears TP
bulls TP
cubs TP
sox TP
hawks TP
we want you to write
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
  • Home
  • Message Board
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Our Writers
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
© 2023 ChiCitySports. Designed by Dope Guys Who Run ChiCitySports.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.