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2019 NHL Draft Profile: Alex Turcotte

Alex Turcotte, USNTDP (USHL)

BIO

Position: C (left-handed)
Age on Draft Day: 18
Height/Weight: 5’11”/185
2018-19 Stats: 16 GP, 12 G, 22 A, +27
Projection: 4th (NHL Central Scouting), 6th (Elite Prospects), 9th (Future Considerations), 3rd Corey Pronman (Elite NHL Prospect/Star NHL Player)

About

Roughly a month ago, when the Red Wings dropped two spots in the lottery to the 6th overall pick, the majority of analysts’ tagged Alex Turcotte to Detroit. Since then, Turcotte has shot up draft boards and a fair share even have him going 3rd to the Blackhawks now (please, no). Part of the reason for the rise is that he is finally healthy after missing the early portion of the season due to injury. He only played 2 games in the 2018 half of his season, but then in the final 11 games, he finished with 26 points.

There’s not much Turcotte does poorly. He’s an exceptional playmaking center who plays a 200-foot game better than maybe anyone else in this years draft class. Not only that, but it is rare to see Turcotte take a play off. His motor keeps him going 100% of the time, no matter where he is on the ice. His skating puts him in positions to score and break up rushes in the defensive zone. The 18-year-old plays all three zones of the ice so well that its tough to even pin-point which zone he is the best in. He can set guys up on the power play, score goals, kill penalties, etc. You name it, Turcotte can fill that role.

The one area scouts are hoping to see Turcotte work on is his size. He currently is committed to play at Wisconsin next year, and many believe it’s a 50-50 split between playing in the NCAA or heading straight to the NHL. The only reason he isn’t a lock for a Top 3 pick is because many feel he’s still a year away from being NHL-ready since he missed so much time this season. The talent is there for Turcotte, and the potential is off the charts. It’s rare to find 18-year-olds who can do everything right the full 200-feet, and not only do it right, but dominate the game as well. If Turcotte somehow drops to 6th, the Red Wings have to take him.

If you are the Red Wings, and Alex Turcotte is available at #6, do you take him?

Yes, no question 227
Yes, but only if Byram isn’t there. We need defense. 472
I have to see who else is there first 81
No (comment why below) 5

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