Kyle Turris, one of the top prospects for the upcoming 2007 NHL Draft, hopes to meet Steve Yzerman in Columbus. Turris grew up following Yzerman’s career and was inspired by his great play.

When Kyle Turris makes his way from the Nationwide Arena stands tonight to greet the general manager who selects him at the National Hockey League entry draft in Columbus, he may take a circuitous route to the stage in order to pass the Detroit Red Wings’ table.

The reason for his walkabout would be to meet his idol, Steve Yzerman, the retired superstar who is now a hockey executive.

“I have grown up watching him play and have watched all those Don Cherry videos,” said Turris, who would go with his parents to see Yzerman perform when the Wings visited Vancouver to play the Canucks. “[Yzerman] is the ultimate all-around player and warrior. He battled through everything.

“I really wish I could meet him. It would be a dream come true.”

That dream likely will be realized. In town to represent the Wings, who will draft 27th in the first round and have no shot at Turris because he will be among the first three selections, Yzerman would like to meet Turris, also.

“I look forward to meeting Kyle this weekend,” Yzerman said Wednesday. “I haven’t seen him play, but have heard nothing but good things about him.”