Kyle Turris, the Coyotes' top draft pick in 2007 (third overall), was frustrated and disappointed when he was sent to the minors early in training camp last year. It could, however, prove to be a turning point in his career.

"It was a learning year," Turris said. "I learned a lot from (San Antonio coach) Ray Edwards and worked on little parts of my game to help me progress as a player, and I'm just really looking forward to camp and hope to have a really good camp."

"I can't tell you how excited I am. I'm really looking forward to camp. I wish it could get started tomorrow. I'm definitely going to be ready and ready to show I can play there this year."

Turris, a center, played 63 games with the Coyotes in his 2008-09 rookie season, managing eight goals and 12 assists. He spent last season with the Rampage, where he had 24 goals and 39 assists in 76 games. During that time, the 6-foot-1 Turris added about 10 pounds and, at 185, says he feels fast and strong.

"I think it was a real productive year for him," Coyotes Assistant General Manager Brad Treliving said. "We all know Kyle's got tremendous instincts. He's a very driven young man. He's got some skill and ability.

"Kyle's no different than a lot of young players. With him right now it's a physical maturity, and I think the biggest thing . . . Kyle was able to go and play a ton (in San Antonio), play in all situations and really work on all aspects of his game. Obviously the skill department and the skill area of his game is something that comes natural to him."

Treliving said Turris improved in several areas, including faceoffs, defense, winning puck battles and shouldering more special-teams responsibility.

"I think he's put himself in a good position to come in and have a good camp," he said. "But it still comes down to performance."

Turris injured his shoulder as the season was winding down in San Antonio but said he is 100 percent. He believes he is ready to join the Coyotes after his stint in the minors.

"I went down and worked hard and tried to get stronger and improve on certain areas of my game they told me I need to improve and I think I've done that," he said. "I'm ready to be there this year."

Notes

Negotiations continue between the Coyotes and the agents for their two unsigned players, forwards Martin Hanzal (restricted free agent) and Lee Stempniak (unrestricted). Treliving said Stempniak is trying to gauge the market and that the team is "positive" that it will get a deal done with Hanzal.

��Coyotes captain Shane Doan will serve as the Cardinals' honorary captain and take part in the coin toss before Saturday's preseason game against Houston.