The Colorado Avalanche need more centers. Might they use their fourth-overall on two-way center Alex Turcotte?
The Colorado Avalanche have two first-round picks in the 2019 NHL Draft and a total of eight picks — they traded their fourth-rounder for Colin Wilson but acquired two of Ottawa’s selections in this draft.
Here is the full list of the Avalanche’s draft picks this year:
#4 (from Ottawa)
#16
#47
#62 (also from Ottawa)
#78
#140
#171
#202
That’s pretty good, especially when you see that fourth-overall. Granted, we wanted it to be higher since Ottawa finished dead last in the NHL, but we all know how the Draft Lottery works by now.
In any case, that fourth-overall is what we’re looking at today. The Avalanche might be looking to add another potential option for the second-line center position.
Alex Turcotte
2018-19 Team: US National U-18 Team, USDP
Date of Birth: Feb 26, 2001 (18 years old)
Height: 5’11″
Weight: 185 lbs.
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Ranked #4 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #9 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #6 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #9 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #4 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #6 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #11 by TSN/McKenzie
As you can see, Alex Turcotte is scouted as high as #4 and as low as #11. He spent the last season playing for the US Development Program, first for USNTDP Juniors then the Under-18 team. At Juniors he earned 34 points (12 goals, 22 assists) in 16 games. In the U18 league he earned 62 points (27 goals, 35 assists) in 37 games. The young man doesn’t appear to have a problem with scoring.
Turcotte is known as a two-way player, one whose defense is as good as his offense, which is rare in one so young.
From Cam Robinson of Dobber Prospects:
"“Great offensive instincts, quick acceleration and already the most complete two-way player in the crop. A constant battler. Injuries stole the first portion of his season, but he’s back healthy and dominating. A coach’s dream.”"
Steve Kournianos of Sporting News:
"“Dominant play in Jack Hughes’s absence solidified his standing as the draft’s best two-way center. He should be near the top on every team’s draft board.”"
Ben Kerr of Last Word on Hockey likes every aspect of Turcotte’s game. He calls the prospect’s skating “quick” with a “good first step” and “excellent acceleration.” Kerr also observes that Turcotte has a “non-stop motor” so he’s always moving his feet.
According to Kerr, Turcotte is relentless in his forechecking, which leads to causing turnovers. His wrist shot and release are excellent, and he can make the tough passes. What’s more, he’s not afraid to get into the dirty areas, and he uses an active stick to make defensive plays.
The one area of improvement Kerr sees is playmaking — Alex needs to work on “making quick moves and changing the angles to open up passing lanes and find open teammates.”
Alex Turcotte in action:
Alex Turcotte is committed to playing at the University of Wisconsin next season.
Alex Turcotte and the Colorado Avalanche
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AJ Haefele of BSN Avalanche did an unofficial Twitter poll, and Turcotte earned 44% of the votes, a majority, for Colorado’s fourth-overall pick. (1,472 respondents.)
Turcotte is still recovering from an upper-body injury, which is why he may have fallen some in draft lists.
I definitely think the Colorado Avalanche need a two-way center. After watching a few highlights of Alex Turcotte, I, too, am impressed by his hard work and his strength. He also knows how to handle his stick. Unfortunately, the highlights didn’t include and rushes, so I can’t speak to his speed too much.
My gut instinct is a little lukewarm on Turcotte. This is my first official draft profile of the season, so I don’t yet know what else is out there. However, I would feel more comfortable with Alex for our #16 pick over #4.
Nonetheless, if the Colorado Avalanche did choose Alex Turcotte, it would be great to see him bringing in some of those meat-and-potatoes skills, the hard forechecking, the persistence, and the corner work. And I really am impressed by his puck handling.
The first round of the 2019 NHL Draft takes place on Friday, June 21. Time hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s usually late afternoon.