LA Kings: Three breakout candidates at 2021 World Juniors
By Ryan Sikes
Alex Turcotte
Alex Turcotte will be the first to tell you that his play at last year’s WJC was not up to par. Being drafted fifth overall in the NHL Draft comes with high expectations, and the 18-year-old was frustrated with his play.
"“It stinks,” Turcotte said. “We came together three weeks ago and became close as a team and everyone’s sacrificing and you’re not home with your family and everyone’s trying to do their best to win gold. And, you come up short and don’t even medal. It’s obviously tough. I thought we had a good group of guys and that makes it worse, I think. It just stinks.”"
Turcotte is one of eight players returning for Team USA, and he’ll be viewed as one of the veterans. As noted, the US failed to medal last season. With a top line of Turcotte, Kaliyev, and Trevor Zegras, the LA Kings’ top prospect will be in a favorable position to have a breakout tournament.