GDT: 2020-21 IIHF WJC, Edmonton/Red Deer, Canada: 12/25/20 - 1/5/21

[SufferingSelfCreated]

From EliteProspects.com, which ranks Turcotte #2 among Kings prospects (and Kings #1 prospects organization):

Last season represented a bit of a step back for Alex Turcotte relative to the lofty standards he set in his draft-year. On a Wisconsin team stacked with NHL draft picks, none of which met or exceeded their expectations, Turcotte stood out as the most egregious case of all.
Some of that was systems. Some of it was the environment. Some of it was probably deployment, too. I don't think it's a coincidence that some of the teams with prospects developing at Wisconsin signed their players to entry-level contracts to get them out of there as soon as possible.
Ultimately, though, the buck stops with the player, and Turcotte doubtless underperformed as a freshman at Wisconsin.
That's hardly the death knell for Turcotte's time as a top prospect in the sport, though. There's still plenty of runway left in front of him, and the talent that made him a fifth-overall pick in the first place is ever-present.
He's a playmaker first and foremost, and a damn good one at that. Turcotte isn't all that manipulative as a distributor -- not at 5-on-5, anyway -- but consistently advances play in the right direction and finds a way to create scoring chances through his linemates all the same.
It's the rush where Turcotte is most effective. His ability to identify teammates and distribute north-south through layers to jailbreak them is tops among skaters outside of the NHL. With the full array of reach-adjusting passes and an equal level of comfort on the backhand and forehand -- everyone is within Turcotte's reach.
One needs the handling and skating base to pull this off, and Turcotte certainly qualifies. He's a high-pace playmaker, with a straight-line separation gear, and the puck-handling ability to open up defenders, manipulate their footwork, and change directions.
On top of all that, Turcotte's motor never stops. He's determined to seek out contact on the fore-check, always takes the best route to the puck, and those second and third efforts make all the difference in the world in those battles.
Our scouts share some concerns about Turcotte's unwillingness to shoot the puck, often passing up Grade-A scoring chances to make that extra pass. Likewise, his reliance on beating opponents to the outside as the first arrow he pulls from his quiver on every entry is a bit concerning.
Overall, though, Turcotte's pace, motor, handling, and playmaking all project as well-above-average NHL level tools, and there isn't any reason he can't be a reliable three-zone force at the NHL level. Even after a tough season at Wisconsin, a top-six centre's role seems attainable for Turcotte.

I know I'm in the minority,but I don't see a star in Turcotte. I think he's highly overrated among Kings fans. As a fan, I hope I'm wrong though.

 

[DoktorJeep]

I think the concern with our WJC kids not dominating is that it points to the number of years away we are from these kids being NHL ready. People expecting the team to turn it around in the next 2-3 years maybe looking at a 5 year window starting this season. So potentially 6-8 year long playoff drought.

 

[tbrown33]

I think the concern with our WJC kids not dominating is that it points to the number of years away we are from these kids being NHL ready. People expecting the team to turn it around in the next 2-3 years maybe looking at a 5 year window starting this season. So potentially 6-8 year long playoff drought.

I will definitely take the under on 6-8 years before the Kings are back in the playoffs. Something will have had to go terribly wrong if that happens.

Also it's been one exhibition junior game after nearly a year long layoff, and everyone looked really good except Simontaival.

People already put too much stock in the WJC for evaluating these guys' futures. We've just cleared camp and one exhibition game and this is already the discourse? lol

Anyway, if Byfield doesn't record a point today he will never be more than a 3c.

 

[BigKing]

I think the concern with our WJC kids not dominating is that it points to the number of years away we are from these kids being NHL ready. People expecting the team to turn it around in the next 2-3 years maybe looking at a 5 year window starting this season. So potentially 6-8 year long playoff drought.

There will be trades and signings for established players at some point since they won't keep all of these prospects.

As for not dominating, Fagemo and Kaliyev were pretty good last year. Bjornfot was good in Ontario so screw the WJC.

If it is 6-8 years from now, something horrific has occurred.

 

[tbrown33]

There will be trades and signings for established players at some point since they won't keep all of these prospects.

As for not dominating, Fagemo and Kaliyev were pretty good last year. Bjornfot was good in Ontario so screw the WJC.

If it is 6-8 years from now, something horrific has occurred.

Fagemo led the tourney in scoring.

 

[Steve Zissou]

I have to admit, out of all the prospects I'm most excited about now is Fagemo.

 

[tbrown33]

I have to admit, out of all the prospects I'm most excited about now is Fagemo.

Especially with the head start of playing in Europe, he is likely the most NHL ready out of the group who has yet to play for the Kings.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

If Byfield doesn't score 9 goals tonight, then consider him a bust.

 

[ru4reals]

I know I'm in the minority,but I don't see a star in Turcotte. I think he's highly overrated among Kings fans. As a fan, I hope I'm wrong though.

I agree that Turcotte won't be a star if lucky he'll be an all-star on a good year. But I don't think many of us here overrate Turcotte by any means, but mainly pointing out the extreme criticism he gets just because he doesn't have a point in a pre tournament game. Most Kings fans I would say know what they are getting with Turcotte and would be ecstatic if he becomes a solid 2nd line center or a very good top 6 forward. But I'm with you I hope we're all wrong and his game thrives in the NHL.

 

[DAkings20]

They just mentioned that Byfield is still the youngest guy on the Canada roster, did not realize that.

 

[ru4reals]

Good shift by Byfield two nice checks in the offensive zone.

 

[DAkings20]

Good shift by Byfield two nice checks in the offensive zone.

He also looks gigantic out there

 

[redcard]

something something doesn't use his size something something heavy breathing

 

[Schrute farms]

Came In late. Was waiting for 55 on ice - duhhh, he’s 19 in this wjc

 

[Token]

I’m liking this version of roll player Byfield.

Hitting everything that moves.

Good on him for taking the job at hand and delivering the pain.

 

[tbrown33]

I’m liking this version of roll player Byfield.

Hitting everything that moves.

Good on him for taking the job at hand and delivering the pain.

He's skating great too. Canada is so stacked.

 

[jfont]

All I'll say is that if I'm choosing between Zegras and Turcotte in a hard-fought playoff series, I know who I'm picking.

Wayne Gretzky?

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Ray Ferraro also seems to be enjoying this more physical version of Byfield.

 

[ru4reals]

Another great shift by Byfield. Kid is running over everyone. Dayum. Liking what I'm seeing so far.

 

[tbrown33]

Great shift for Byfield there in the second - two consecutive stick lift takeaways in the offensive zone, tenacious.

 

[BringTheReign]

Great shift for Byfield there in the second - two consecutive stick lift takeaways in the offensive zone, tenacious.

I believe he just drew a penalty as well while protecting the puck behind the net.

 

[tbrown33]

Spence has been really good with and without the puck. Good communicator, pretty talkative out there. Also no slouch in front of his own net either, damn.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Another aggressive Byfield forecheck caused a turnover that created a scoring opportunity for Canada.

 

[tbrown33]

It's crazy to me that Byfield is already bigger than Kopitar. Is his top end speed better too?

 

[ru4reals]

It's crazy to me that Byfield is already bigger than Kopitar. Is his top end speed better too?

Yes it is. Kid has been the most physical player on both teams.