SHOCKING NEWS: St Louis blues LA Kings Proven Right to Draft Alex Turcotte Over Trevor Zegras After …… see more

When the LA Kings selected Alex Turcotte fifth overall in the 2019 NHL Draft, just one pick before the Anaheim Ducks took Trevor Zegras at No. 9, the hockey world instantly began comparing the two highly touted American prospects. For several years, it appeared Anaheim may have snagged the more dynamic player. But in light of the Ducks’ recent decision to trade Zegras — just six years after drafting him — the Kings’ long-term investment in Turcotte is beginning to look not only prudent, but vindicated.

Zegras Trade Signals Shift in Anaheim’s Direction

On June 22, 2025, the Ducks traded Trevor Zegras to the Buffalo Sabres in a blockbuster deal that signaled Anaheim’s intent to pivot toward a more structured, two-way style under their new regime. While Zegras dazzled fans with highlight-reel goals and flair, the organization reportedly grew frustrated with his inconsistent defensive play, streaky production, and reported clashes with team leadership.

Zegras, who posted 65 points in 2022–23 but regressed due to injury and off-ice concerns in subsequent seasons, never quite lived up to the franchise centerpiece expectations Anaheim had for him. The trade return, while respectable, underscored that Zegras had lost some of his shine across the league.

Turcotte’s Steady Rise Pays Off

Meanwhile, Alex Turcotte’s career arc has been slower but steadier. Hampered by injuries early on, Turcotte’s NHL development took time, with stints in the AHL and extended rehab periods. But over the past two seasons, the Kings’ patience has paid off.

Now a reliable two-way center in LA’s middle six, Turcotte has emerged as a coach’s dream — smart, positionally sound, and increasingly confident with the puck. In 2024–25, he posted career highs in goals, assists, and faceoff win percentage, and played critical minutes on both the penalty kill and second power-play unit.

His style may not garner TikTok highlights like Zegras’, but in the Kings’ structured system, Turcotte has become the kind of dependable, two-way pivot that wins playoff games — and garners praise from hockey purists.

Draft Debate Shifts in LA’s Favor

For years, Kings fans questioned whether the team missed out on Zegras’ offensive ceiling. But the Ducks’ decision to move on from their former top prospect just as Turcotte solidifies his NHL footing flips the narrative.

More importantly, LA has built a playoff-contending core with players like Quinton Byfield, Brandt Clarke, and now Turcotte embracing their roles — a testament to the Kings’ development strategy and drafting patience. Anaheim, in contrast, is retooling once again, searching for the right identity and direction.

Conclusion

While the debate between Turcotte and Zegras may continue in fan circles, the Ducks’ trade sends a strong message: LA’s gamble on a complete, two-way center over a flashier, offensive-forward looks increasingly justified.

The Kings were playing the long game with Turcotte — and in 2025, it’s clear they made the right call.