Alex Cotton (4 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C+) Defense
Alex is a smooth skating right shot defenseman who is having an incredible sophomore season for Lethbridge. After recording 11 points during his rookie Western Hockey League season, Alex is averaging over a point per-game with 57 points through 52 games (17 Goals & 40 Assists). He is very poised with puck in all situations. He makes an excellent first pass in transition, controls poor passes very well and has the skating ability to carry the puck out of trouble when needed. He is not an overly physical defenseman, but is strong and powerful when closing on opposing forwards to eliminate the cycle. His quick feet enable him to hold the offensive blueline longer than most of his peers and he does not need to crossover to generate backwards speed. Alex views the entire ice surface while defending the rush and is prepared for quick transition after creating turnovers or forcing dump ins. He has a very quick release and his one timer hits the net. During 5 on 5 situations Alex shows good offensive awareness by consistently noticing when the opposing wingers sleeping and attacking either the high slot or backdoor. He has the potential to be a power play and penalty kill option in professional hockey. We feel a smart NHL team will wait until the fourth round to draft Alex, but if a Director of Scouting feels that this year isn’t an aberration he will go in the top two.