Alex Turcotte Has Grown Into His Role With the LA Kings

The journey to becoming a successful NHL player is rarely straightforward. For Alex Turcotte, the path has been filled with challenges, lessons, and setbacks that have shaped him into being an important and valuable contributor for the Los Angeles Kings. Once viewed as one of the franchise’s top prospects, Turcotte has worked overtime (no pun intended) to overcome injuries and inconsistency while developing into a more complete player. His evolution with the Kings highlights the importance of growth and adaptability at the highest level of hockey. 

The Beginning Years

Selected fifth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Turcotte was regarded as one of the most talented young players available. Known for his hockey IQ, speed, and two-way play, the 5-foot-11 American showed the complete skill set of a potential top-six NHL forward. Before turning professional, he had a notable junior career, including a standout season with the United States National Team Development Program and an impressive 2019-20 season at the University of Wisconsin, posting 15 points in 16 games.

Despite his remarkable resume, Turcotte’s transition to the NHL wasn’t easy. It’s worth noting that injuries became an issue during the early years of his career. With a history of upper-body injuries and concussions, missing significant time that could be spent on the ice can be difficult for any player, especially for a young prospect trying to establish himself. However, for Turcotte, he remained committed to improving his game and returning to the ice as quickly as possible.

During his time with the Kings’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Ontario Reign, Turcotte turned his attention to refining different aspects of his game. His style of play is confident and aggressive, which is what is needed to survive in professional hockey. His teammate, Trevor Moore, acknowledged, “I think that he skates really well, he makes a lot of really good plays and he’s just getting comfortable. I think moving up in the lineup, playing more minutes, you get that confidence, and once he gets more and more comfortable, he’s only going to get better.” These qualities helped him become a more competitive player while making himself more valuable to the organization. 

An Unrelenting Competitor

One of the most significant developments in Turcotte’s evolution has been his maturity. Especially as a young talent, he entered the league with expectations attached to his name. He improved his positioning away from the puck and developed a greater understanding of the game. His ability to create offensive opportunities and forecheck aggressively allowed him to be trusted and secured a permanent spot on the Kings roster. 

Another important aspect of Turcotte’s growth has been his resilience and patience. While many players may struggle with the setback of an injury, he has consistently responded with determination. Every injury process has presented both physical and mental challenges. His willingness to continue working toward his goals speaks to his character. 

How Turcotte Impacts the Game

The Kings have benefited from Turcotte’s development because he fits the style of play they want throughout the roster. Los Angeles values structure, discipline, and strong two-way players who can contribute in all situations. Turcotte’s ability to impact the game at both ends of the ice has made him an important piece of a system built on responsibility and attention to detail.

As Turcotte grew more comfortable in the Kings’ lineup, he began to rely on his instincts and play with greater confidence. This balance between creativity and responsibility has helped him maximize his speed, hockey intelligence, and vision, allowing him to make a stronger impact in all areas of the game.

On June 22, 2024, the Kings signed Turcotte to a three-year contract carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $775,000. The deal runs through the 2026-27 season. As he enters the upcoming season, there is still plenty of room for growth. Like many NHL players, he is continuing to develop and refine his game in his 20s. His journey serves as a reminder that player development is rarely linear. Through injuries, setbacks, and hard work, Turcotte has continued to move forward, building a strong foundation for what could be the next stage of his career with the Kings.

If Turcotte continues to build on his recent progress, he has the potential to become a significant part of the Kings’ future. His development over the past few seasons suggests that his best hockey may still be ahead of him, making him a player worth watching as he continues to grow his role in Los Angeles.