The Los Angeles Kings announced today that they have signed prospect forward Alex Turcotte to a three-year entry level contract. The young player just recently completed his freshman season at the University of Wisconsin (NCAA). He was the fifth overall selection of the Kings in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
The contract begins in the 2020-21 season, per Vice President and general manager Rob Blake. Turcotte will report to the Ontario Reign, the Kings’ American Hockey League affiliate. He is expected to practice with the team tomorrow at the Toyota Sports Performance Center.
?The LA Kings have agreed to terms with @Turcotte__71 on a three-year entry-level contract beginning in the 2020-21 season
https://t.co/ferNPFx3Mc— LA Kings (@LAKings) March 11, 2020
Alex Turcotte Signs With Los Angeles Kings
The 5′-11″, 190 pound forward collected 26 points (9-G,17-A) in 29 games with the Badgers to rank third on the team in points (26) while also tying for third in both goals (9) and assists (17). His .897 points-per-game also ranked second on the UofW team and ranked him sixth among college freshmen nationwide.
Eliteprospects.com describes his play as follows: “exceptional hockey sense, impressive skating and compete-level. There is a lot to like about Turcotte. He is a very gifted playmaker, but has a also a fine release and goal scoring ability. Can be used in most situations and plays a very complete game.”
What This Means Going Forward
The Los Angeles Kings can certainly use his talents even if he plays in the AHL until he’s ready to jump to the NHL. With the Kings trading away a good forward like Tyler Toffoli, Turcotte could possibly fill that role at some point. The Kings are in the process of a slight re-build and good young players like Turcotte are an attractive asset to have.
He’ll get the experience and development on the Ontario Reign and look for him to be in the NHL soon. How soon? It’s difficult to determine as each young player develops at a different pace.
The Kings of course are in last place in the Pacific Division and could use all the help that can muster. A talented player like Turcotte can certainly assist getting the Kings back to a competitive team again.
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