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Turris excited about being Sens’ likely top center

Ottawa Senators v Pittsburgh Penguins

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 13: Kyle Turris #7 of the Ottawa Senators scores during the shootout against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the game at Consol Energy Center on April 13, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Senators defeated the Penguins 3-2 in a shootout. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

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With Jason Spezza out of town, the Ottawa Senators likely turn to 24-year-old forward Kyle Turris as their top center for the 2014-15 season.

Turris believes that the sometimes-painful taste of being a No. 1 center when Spezza was injured in 2011-12 might just serve him well if he’s thrust into that role full-time, as he told the Ottawa Sun.

“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,” Turris said. “If I get that opportunity I’ll be excited about the challenge, that’s for sure.”

Despite having 2012 Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson, a pair of streaky but potentially difference-making goalies and a talented young power forward in Bobby Ryan, the Senators generally seem like a rebuilding team on paper.

Turris seems to believe that this group is capable of big things, however.

“Oh without question, I think we’ve got a definite playoff team and not just a playoff team, I feel we’ve got a group that can make a run in the playoffs,” said Turris. “I definitely feel we have a real good team.”

The accuracy of that claim will probably hinge on how well Turris handles his expected bump to unquestioned go-to guy.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins