In our annual ‘Early Look’ article, where we do some quick calculations on where things stand with the Kings salary cap heading into the offseason, we had prospect Alex Turcotte pegged for a new deal at about $850k, and most likely a one or two-year contract. After all, he was coming off his first full healthy season as a pro and was now expected to take the next step in his journey by joining the NHL roster for 2024-25. What will he be able to produce, is he a wing or center, there are still several questions that need to be fully flushed out.
Somehow, GM Rob Blake was able to ink the 23-year-old forward to a three-year extension carrying a paltry $775k AAV.
Of note, the first year of the new deal is a two-way contract (paying $150k in the AHL). Years two and three are one-way; so, he’ll earn the full value of the contract in those years even if he’s with the Reign. It should be noted, he is out of waiver eligibility. Should things somehow not work out in LA and the team wanted to reassign him to the AHL, he will first need to pass through waivers now.
Back at the NHL level, this is essentially a league minimum deal for the next three years. Meaning, there is only upside in such a deal. Replacing Turcotte on the roster will always end up costing at least this much, it can’t come with a lower cap hit. And if Turcotte blossoms next season, the following two years could see this as a value-laden deal at a time when the Kings have plenty of high-priced contracts.
While there will continue to be caution surrounding the Kings first round (fifth overall) selection at the 2019 NHL Draft until further notice, his most recent campaign was encouraging. Turcotte split the season between the NHL and AHL, making his Kings season debut on Jan. 28 in St. Louis. He recorded his first career NHL goal a few nights later in Nashville. Over 35 regular season games with the Ontario Reign, Turcotte produced 29 points (10G, 19A) along with a plus-8 rating. His 0.83 points-per-game ranked fifth among all team skaters who made at least 30 appearances.
In total, he’s played 32 games for the Kings, and made his NHL debut on Dec. 28, 2021.
Additional information from the team’s press release:
Up next, the Kings are expected to announce a new contract extension for fellow prospect Sammy Fagemo. The 24-old-winger is one of the team’s most intriguing players. He’s coming off a 43 goal season — something he accomplished in just 50 games. During 17 games with the Kings over three seasons, he’s recorded two goals. However, he’s also never been up for more than nine games at the NHL level. Thus, many wonder, what could he produce if ever given an extended run in Los Angeles?
Currently, the Kings essentially have a pair of players allocated to each of their top three lines — Kopitar/Kempe, Danault/Moore, and Byfield/Fiala. We’re assuming they’ll add at least one scoring forward from outside the organization before July 10. Even if they added two forwards from outside the organization, that still leaves plenty of space on the roster for Turcotte, Fagemo, and Akil Thomas. All three will be given long looks during training camp to try and establish a set role heading into the season.
As for Fagemo’s next contract, we’re expecting it to be in a similar $775-825k range. It will most likely be a one-year deal, allowing both sides some flexibility for the future. There’s also a decent chance this could end up as a two-way contract. He’s coming off a two-way deal for 2023-24 that saw him making $100k while playing in the AHL. We could easily see that number jumping up to the $250-200k range if the parties agree to go this route again.
Coming off the recent trade for Darcy Kuemper, we’ll have a new Kings Salary Cap Outlook article posted later this week.
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