Russell Morgan 
Amid a resurgent season, LA Kings’ forward Alex Turcotte sat down for an exclusive interview with Hockey Royalty to reflect on his difficult journey to the NHL.
Selected fifth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, Turcotte has faced a gauntlet of injuries that have tested not only his physical resilience but his mental fortitude as well.
From concussions to lower-body ailments, each setback has been a lesson in perseverance. Now, as he starts to make his mark in the NHL, Turcotte opens up about how these trials have shaped his mindset, offering insights into the mental toll inherited by a top draft pick.
“For a couple of years, it definitely wasn’t easy. It was very difficult,” Turcotte shared. “I’d be lying to you to say it didn’t bother me. I see everyone talking about it on social media or whatever.”
The journey was further complicated by his relationships with fellow 2019 draftees and former teammates like Trevor Zegras and Cole Caufield, who were selected after him but quickly rose to prominence. “I was really happy for those guys, but I always thought I could play with them,” Turcotte said. “So it was definitely tough for me to go through that, being injured, struggling.”
However, he has since moved past these comparisons, “But I would say last season and this season I could care less now. I’ve moved past it and kind of grown. And I think it’s really helped me grow as a person. So I don’t really think about it anymore. I don’t know if that’s why everything has kind of fallen into place or whatever.”
The support from his teammates has been crucial in his mental recovery. “I think everyone had played a part. We’re all really tight in here. Guys like Akil, Samuel Helenius, Andre Lee, Spenny, Q, guys that I came up with in the minors, I think they definitely understood me more as a person just by being around me. And then the guys like this year, they’ve been awesome making you feel welcome. It’s been a seamless transition. And it’s nice to have guys like Akil, Spenny, and Q come up at the same time.”
Turcotte also credits his family for their support, even if it felt overwhelming at times. “Everybody was checking in on me during the rough times,” he says. “It was kind of annoying at the time because you’re answering the same question over and over: ‘Are you okay?’ That definitely takes a mental toll. You don’t want everyone worrying about you.” However, he acknowledges the value of their concern, reflecting, “But looking back, I’m really grateful for the friends and family I have.”
Beyond the support from teammates and family, Turcotte recognizes that his recovery and growth were largely self-driven. “I think ultimately it comes down to myself as well. You know when you’re in that big of a hole, you feel like stuff spirals, and you don’t know if you’re ever going to get out of it. You know? And a lot of it was stuff I couldn’t control. That was the hardest part. And that’s what made it really tough because there’s nothing you can do but be positive. But I always loved the game and I always knew what I wanted to be as an NHL player and I never lost faith in that.”
His ability to hold onto this faith, even amidst the darkest moments of his young career, played a crucial role in his mental resilience. It’s this motivation and clear vision of his future as an NHLer that fueled his recovery, demonstrating that sometimes, the love of the game can be a healing force as vital as any physical therapy or support system.
This season, Turcotte cited a newfound confidence that has truly set him apart on the ice. “I came in ready to prove that I belong this year and I knew deep down that I did too at the same time,” he stated. “Just coming in with self-confidence that was the biggest thing.” In 26 games with the LA Kings, he’s demonstrated this with four goals and nine assists, holding a +10 rating.
Yet, it’s his 5-on-5 on-ice metrics that tell the story of his impact, ranking fourth on the team in expected goal share at 60.04% and second in actual goal share at 66.67%, with the Kings outscoring opponents 20-10 while he’s on the ice, according to Natural Stat Trick.
This newfound confidence has not only elevated Turcotte’s performance but also highlighted that his journey transcends physical challenges, encompassing significant mental growth. Armed with confidence, passion, and resilience, Turcotte is firmly establishing his rightful place in the NHL.
Featured Image Credit: Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images