Barring a trade by the Ottawa Senators, Kyle Turris is the primary candidate to fill the first-line, center's job left vacant by the departure of Jason Spezza. Two seasons ago, when Spezza was injured, Turris was 22 and forced into the top spot. When Spezza returned in 2013-14, Turris was relieved. He said he enjoyed centring the second line and not having to see the opposition's best defensive players every shift. He responded with his best NHL season -- 26 goals, 32 assists, 58 points and a plus-22 rating -- and at least part of that had to do with the extra breathing space. Now Turris is better equipped for the more prominent posting. "I definitely think I've learned a lot over the past two years from those experiences, from being put into that role when Spezz was hurt, and seeing how hard the matchup is," Turris said. "I just tried to take that mentality and put it into the role I had this past year. This upcoming year, if I'm put into that role again, I think the experience I have now will work in my favor, to know what to expect and how better to prepare for it. If I get that opportunity I'll be excited about it."