Los Angeles Kings forward Alex Turcotte has a journey to the NHL like no other. His journey consists of many injuries that have seen him limited in ice time and, at times, his future in doubt. However, those setbacks have made his pursuit of a full-time position with the Kings seem much more attainable this time.- How will Turcotte’s performance be affected by his history of injuries as he aims for a full-time position with the Kings?
Kings’ Turcotte ready for NHL workload
Turcotte has never played a full season in the American Hockey League (AHL) or the NHL. He has suffered many injuries including concussions, numerous lower-body injuries, and appendicitis. Those took him out of action for several games, hurting his development. Every time he would come back to play the rest of the season, which would not pan out due to another injury.
Of the prospects and draft picks since 2019, where he was drafted fifth, has not had an injury-prone career like Turoctte, The 23-year-old from Elk Grove, Illinois, has come back to prove he can heal and play at a competitive level. The series of unfortunate events began with a concussion he suffered before turning pro. This has stayed with him during his career and has played a major role in not producing as often as he would like.
On the flip side, he has produced when healthy. When on the ice, he has been effective in all three zones and has proved he can handle the pressure of being a high-draft pick. He is still young and has potential based on what he has done up until this season. While the days of him producing at an elite level may be gone, he can still offensively produce to the level the Kings need him to.
Last season, Turcotte split the season between the Kings and the Ontario Reign of the AHL. With the Kings, he recorded one goal and three assists for four points in 20 games. With the Reign, he produced 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points in 35 games, all career-highs. His biggest assets are his speed and offensive awareness, which he uses to create offense. The more he played last season the more he showed he can be effective at both ends of the ice. He improved every game he played and got more involved in the play.
The Kings rewarded Turcotte with a three-year contract extension worth $2.324. The deal is a two-way deal in the first year and a one-way deal in the final two years of the contract.
If he makes the team out of training camp, he may be subjected to a third-line role, which may be where he belongs to start. The top-six of Los Angeles is set and there are no voids to be filled just yet. He did improve greatly last season and this may be a make-or-break season for him to show his potential. The Kings still have high hopes for the young star, as he is filled with promise and potential. Of course, his development and production are hugely based on if he can stay healthy. If he can, the offense will improve with him in the lineup and he can be a difference-maker.
(photo: lakingsinsider.com; Zach Dooley) (photo: lakingsinsider.com; Jared Shafran)
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