Welcome to my draft preview series. Today we're starting with centre Alex Turcotte.
The way I'm setting these up are:
* Player Snapshot
* Highlights (so you can see on-ice skills)
* Interview (so you can get to know the player off-ice)
* Making a case for why the Blackhawks will draft this player (featuring Wiz)
Please keep in mind that during all of this draft talk and analysis that I am not an NHL scout. I am merely your friendly neighbourhood blogger that will be adding my take (as always), as well as leaning on some YouTubes, scouts and prospect experts.
You will see a familiar face scattered through these blogs as one of those said experts, Mr. Bill "Wiz" Placzek of DraftSite.com.
Let's get going; today we're making the case for the Chicago Blackhawks to select Alex Turcotte.
Player Profile (Courtesy: Elite Prospects)
Highlights (Courtesy: Draft Dynasty)
Off-the-ice (Courtesy: USA Hockey National Team Development Program)
(Bonus: you get to know Spencer Knight as well)
So what do we have here? Turcotte at 5'11 is viewed as an undersized centre that has a high motor and compete level.
While some consider him "undersized", I do not. He comes in around 185 lbs and plays fearlessly heading into the dirty areas.
He would be a trendy pick of draft class past by Stan Bowman with his birth certificate have IL in the state section and his connection with the Chicago Mission, however, I believe these hometown selections are a thing of the past and definitely won't be the deciding factor when selecting as high as #3.
I really like Turcotte's game overall. He plays a gritty offensive game with a flare of finesse, yet plays a responsible defensive game.
I don't think the Hawks take him in the 3rd spot as I believe there will be higher ceiling players available, but that's not to say someone isn't going to get one heck of a competitor in Turcotte.
He has committed to a great program at the University of Wisconsin for next year. However, some think he may be ready for the NHL after one year, so we may see him by 2020-21 if he opts to leave college hockey.
Alex is currently ranked:
* 4th by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
* 6th by EliteProscpects.com
* 7th by DraftSite.com
Now over to Wiz with his thoughts on what the Hawks scouting staff would be thinking if they were to call Turcotte's name on June 21st in Vancouver.
The Blackhawks select Alex Turcotte if… they value 200-foot players with great feet and determination. (Bill Placzek, DraftSite.com)
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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