Draft Option #7: Alex Turcotte

[LGR4GM]

Quote

Alex Turcotte, C, USNTDP-USHL, https://theathletic.com/904724/2019/04/09/the-athletics-2019-nhl-mock-draft-lottery-edition-devils-get-the-no-1-pick/

Feb. 26, 2001 | 5-foot-11 | 194 pounds

Max Bultman: This is really a decision between Turcotte and his USNTDP teammate Trevor Zegras, both of whom might actually be value picks at this slot. Zegras would offer the elite playmaking Detroit lacks in its forward core, and for that reason he’s very tempting. But there’s just so much to love about Turcotte. For starters, he’s a fast, skilled, two-way center who his coach actually compared to Dylan Larkin recently. But Turcotte’s also been producing at crazy levels since returning from injury this season. His 2.13 points per game in USHL play outpace even Hughes. If Turcotte’s still on the board at No. 6, he’s a great pick.

Pronman’s take: In Turcotte, Detroit gets a center who, when healthy, was simply outstanding this past season. Every element of his game outside of his size (5-foot-11) stands out, from his speed to his skill to his compete level and hockey sense. Think of him as a more skilled version of Larkin without as much size. He’s a center who could be a one-and-done in college and be in the NHL playing a significant role soon in any role the coach wants.

 

Edited April 10, 2019 by LGR4GM

[LGR4GM]

The write ups are taken from the Athletics post lottery mock draft. 

Some scouts thoughts on Turcotte can be found here:

http://www.mynhldraft.com/2019-nhl-draft/player-profiles/Alex-Turcotte 

[LGR4GM]

Turcotte is currently my preferred target. He excels consistently and without Hughes would be considered the best center for the USDP. He kind of lives in Hughes shadow but I personally feel is is only a hair below hughes currently in terms of skill. That first highlight comes with a pass from Samuelsson. 

 

[Brawndo]

This is my preferred choice as well. Unfortunately he will probably be in the conversation for 3rd Overall by June 21th. 

[jsb]

3 hours ago, Brawndo said:

This is my preferred choice as well. Unfortunately he will probably be in the conversation for 3rd Overall by June 21th. 

This is my top choice as well it will all depend on if the injury hurts his standing or not. 

[SDS]

Is this kid any relation to the guy who started Turcotte Stickhandling School that runs camps around North America?

[Brawndo]

1 minute ago, SDS said:

Is this kid any relation to the guy who started Turcotte Stickhandling School that runs camps around North America?

If Alfie Turcotte started it, it’s his son 

[French Collection]

17 minutes ago, Brawndo said:

If Alfie Turcotte started it, it’s his son 

Alfie's father started it.

Edited April 10, 2019 by French Collection

[SDS]

2 hours ago, French Collection said:

Alfie's father started it.

Real Turcotte...

http://www.turcottehockey.com/quality.htm

[Curt]

Alex Turcotte scouting report from Ben Kerr of Last Word on Hockey Prospects.com

https://lastwordonhockeyprospects.com/2019/04/06/alex-turcotte-scouting-report/

[French Collection]

Compare his game to ROR.

[dudacek]

15 minutes ago, French Collection said:

Compare his game to ROR.

He skates better, but his beard is lacking and it doesn’t start with him.

[Curt]

1 hour ago, French Collection said:

Compare his game to ROR.

I’ll play!  Both play a 2-way game at C.  They have a similar physical build.  Turcotte is a very good all around skater, while ROR is average.  Turcotte probably has better stick handling skills.  Both are good passers.  Both have a good shot, Tucotte’s may be better though.  ROR has elite all around hockey IQ that Turcotte probably doesn’t match, although it’s definitley not a weakness for Turcotte.  ROR is better defensively, but Turcotte is responsible and could grow into an excellent defensive C.  ROR is the faceoff master.

In summary, I think they could be somewhat similar, but Turcotte can be more dynamic offensively, specifically because of his skating. It’s hard to say if Turcotte could ever be as good defensively as ROR, but the potential is there.

[dudacek]

Didn’t realize he was a Chicago kid. 

Given Toews age, that could cement him as pick three, the Hawks could easily pick any of six guys.

[French Collection]

2 hours ago, Curtisp5286 said:

I’ll play!  Both play a 2-way game at C.  They have a similar physical build.  Turcotte is a very good all around skater, while ROR is average.  Turcotte probably has better stick handling skills.  Both are good passers.  Both have a good shot, Tucotte’s may be better though.  ROR has elite all around hockey IQ that Turcotte probably doesn’t match, although it’s definitley not a weakness for Turcotte.  ROR is better defensively, but Turcotte is responsible and could grow into an excellent defensive C.  ROR is the faceoff master.

In summary, I think they could be somewhat similar, but Turcotte can be more dynamic offensively, specifically because of his skating. It’s hard to say if Turcotte could ever be as good defensively as ROR, but the potential is there.

Thanks for the info. Agree on the skating aspect of the summary.

I meant that the scout compares him to ROR. My bad.

[Scottysabres]

Another small bodied forward, no thanks.

[New Guy]

4 hours ago, dudacek said:

He skates better, but his beard is lacking and it doesn’t start with him.

With him declaring for this draft, how many years at minimum will he have a love for the game?

[Curt]

19 minutes ago, Scottysabres said:

Another small bodied forward, no thanks.

200lb is small?  Is Sidney Crosby small?  Turcotte is the same size.  That is average size at worst.

[LGR4GM]

10 hours ago, Scottysabres said:

Another small bodied forward, no thanks.

[SDS]

1 hour ago, LGR4GM said:

 Any fourth line grinders we can select with the seventh overall pick? Maybe someone who got midget checking champion of the year? 

[Wyldnwoody44]

As long as they have "checking detail" and "play the right way" then I'm good, also mad skilllz on the left face off dot. 

 

Oh wait, lousy housley is gone 

I like this kid in all seriousness, unfortunately I don't think he lasts until 7

[LTS]

3 hours ago, SDS said:

 Any fourth line grinders we can select with the seventh overall pick? Maybe someone who got midget checking champion of the year? 

It's hockey tryout season... I saw a few kids on the ice last night at the 15/16U level who thought their best bet for making a team was to try and run every kid on the ice.  Want me to get their names tonight? ?

[SDS]

14 minutes ago, LTS said:

It's hockey tryout season... I saw a few kids on the ice last night at the 15/16U level who thought their best bet for making a team was to try and run every kid on the ice.  Want me to get their names tonight? ?

I’ve been part of a “hockey club” for about 13 years since I started playing in the summer of 2006. We have a team in every division (maybe 8-10?).  Well because there are so many players we routinely have to do tryouts twice per year to fill open spots. So we would schedule a club skate and invariably one guy will show up and start hammering and slashing his future teammates into the boards in our friendly, intra-club, mixed skill level pick up. ? 

He was not asked to come back. 

[Drunkard]

1 hour ago, LTS said:

It's hockey tryout season... I saw a few kids on the ice last night at the 15/16U level who thought their best bet for making a team was to try and run every kid on the ice.  Want me to get their names tonight? ?

Yes, please. I'll even let you borrow my van if you think it will help.

[Crusader1969]

Unfortunately, he is not on the initial U18 USA roster due to injury. 

He was injured the first half of the season and now another injury.  

If you are hoping for him at 7, this could help drop him