Each day over the next week leading up to the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, held on June 21 in Vancouver, we will be taking a look at the top prospects available for the Chicago Blackhawks with the No. 3 pick.
Ninth in the series of prospect profiles is center/wing Alex Turcotte
Alex Turcotte 2018–19 Team: U. S. National U18 Team “A” Date of Birth: February 26, 2001 Place of Birth: Island Lake, Illinois Height: 5-foot-11 Weight: 185 pounds Shoots: Left Position: Center NHL Central Scouting final ranking: No. 4, North American Skaters NHL comparable: Claude Giroux
Center Alex Turcotte is an interesting study in hockey scouting. The Island Lake, Illinois native piled up the points when he was in the lineup for Team USA U18’s this past season. Turcotte finished the year with 96 points in 53 games played, culminating in 39 goals. In the World Juniors, in seven games the highly-skilled center did not disappoint (4 goals, 5 assists). The question that comes with the center is where does he fall on draft boards of many “experts.”
Without a doubt, Turcotte will be drafted in the first round, just like his father Alfie in the 1983 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. What many don’t agree on is his ceiling when it comes to his NHL career. Here’s what we do know:
Turcotte is an excellent skater. He keeps his feet moving and does an excellent job of playing bigger than his size (5-foot-11, 183 pounds). His first step is quick, his acceleration is top-notch and his stride strength is fantastic. The motor is always running at top speed. The lower body injury that forced him to miss games early this past season does not appear to have any effect on his skating.
Although not an elite shot, Turcotte does use his wrist shot and slap shot with great accuracy. He displays a nice soft touch with the puck on his stick. The center shows that he can score a wide variety of ways, especially taking advantage of his toughness on rebounds in front of the net. Turcotte is not afraid to go to the “tough” areas on the ice.
There may not be a player that gets it “between the ears” better than Turcotte in the draft. His ability to think the game one step ahead is a plus in his game. Teammates can expect no-look passes on their stick for easy tap ins. Turcotte shows a nice “read” on his opponents, as well. This shows up in his checking game. His ability to get in passing lanes and force turnovers is a great part of the effect he can have on a game.
Defensively, Turcotte shows the tenacity that sets him apart from others in this draft. His willingness to play along the boards, in front of the net and force turnovers in the neutral zone may be second-to-none amongst picks this draft. He is an effective penalty killer who displays a willingness to do whatever it takes to kill of penalties that is reminiscent of Jonathan Toews. The word unstoppable comes to mind when thinking about his drive on defense.
Projection
This is where some “experts” differ in their evaluation of Turcotte. There may not be a prospect with such a difference in projections from ceiling to floor.
Here’s the ceiling for those that like him:
Turcotte projects as an all-around weapon as a pivot. His ability to make plays on offense, play a relentless defensive game and show up on both special teams makes him a potential world-class No. 1 center. Think Patrice Bergeron or Pavel Datsyuk.
Here’s the floor of those that are “lukewarm” on him:
A second-line center that will score and do some nice things on special teams. His injury history could be a concern and his slight frame will hinder his development into a top-line center. Think Nico Hischier. Or he could be a very good playmaking wing, like Giroux.
Implications for the Blackhawks
Chicago has some very good options at forward with the No. 3 pick. Turcotte could be at the top of that list. Kirby Dach and Dylan Cozens could also hear their names called by the Blackhawks. If Chicago decides to go with Turcotte you can expect him to head to the University of Wisconsin to fine tune his game and work on his strength to play against men at the next level. This pick—as with most players in this top 10—would not be about next season.
With Toews signed for signed until 2023 (and possibly beyond after this contract ends), Turcotte would be allowed to grow under one of the best two-way centers of his generation. Toews showing Turcotte the ropes would be priceless. Then, when Captain Serious loses a step (and we saw him struggle for two seasons before last year), Turcotte might be ready to step in and take the reins as the top force at center for the Blackhawks.
President and CEO of the Blackhawks, John McDonough, could sell a lot of tickets and jerseys with the Illinois native. Don’t think this is not something that has been whispered throughout the organization. The team will never come out and say such, and the media will never uncover it, but McDonough has had his fingerprints all over the roster before—you can’t rule it out here. However, with as much anticipation and high expectation that have been attached to this pick, this front office and the Blackhawk brand can’t afford a “miss” that would be ascribed to a “pr move.”
If the Hawks take Turcotte at #3, it should only be because he is absolutely the best player available.
What others are saying
” . . . a 200 foot centre with decent size and elite feet and hands . . . has built a two-way game. His high end skill, balance, explosive feet and terrific touch and handles in tight spaces, is enough to make NHL suitors think the end product is going to something special. Has seen action as a winger. Committed to the University of Wisconsin.”
Bill Placzek – DraftSite.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvR0e2wpj3c