The 2019 NHL Draft featured several players in the top ten who have faced their share of ups and downs in their careers. Unlike some previous drafts, many of these players have struggled with injuries or have been traded away from their original teams early in their careers.
Kaapo Kakko was recently traded following the drama surrounding the New York Rangers, as the former second-overall pick landed with the Seattle Kraken. Bowen Byram (fourth) is a Stanley Cup Champion, was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, and has faced concussion issues early on. Kirby Dach (third) was traded from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Montreal Canadiens and has also been injury prone.
Philip Broberg (eighth) had difficulty breaking into Edmonton’s defensive lineup but began to show promise during the playoffs last season. After being exposed to offer sheets, he is now a member of the St. Louis Blues. Trevor Zegras (ninth) of Anaheim was the talk of the league in his first few seasons but is now a significant name in trade rumors. Similarly, Dylan Cozens (seventh) has been caught up in trade discussions this season as Buffalo continues to struggle. Vasili Podkolzin (tenth) spent three seasons in the KHL post-draft, and once he arrived in Vancouver, things didn’t work out. He is now with the Edmonton Oilers after a trade this past offseason.
Jack Hughes (first) remains a consistent presence for the New Jersey Devils and an MVP caliber player. He is agile and smooth on skates, making him one of the best American-born players in the game. Moritz Seider (sixth) won the Calder Trophy with Detroit and remains a key player for his team’s future.
So, where does that leave Alex Turcotte (fifth)?
Turcotte has faced a multitude of injuries, has been involved in trade discussions, and has played 110 games fewer than the next player in the top ten, Podkolzin, who played three seasons in St. Petersburg. In some circles in Los Angeles, he has been likened to Thomas Hickey, a comparison that is far from flattering.
For Turcotte, it’s time to block out the noise, if he hasn’t already. He has arrived.
Much like Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield, Turcotte is now enjoying consistent top-line playing time, which had facilitated the development and breakout of both Kempe and Byfield. Turcotte has always possessed the potential and skill; he just struggled to stay healthy.
Now that he has finally put together one of his longest stretches of injury-free play at the professional level, he has an incredible…