After getting passed over in his first draft year, Alex Cotton won’t get that same fate this draft
Alex Cotton (RD), Lethbridge (WHL)
H: 6’2″ W: 183 lbs
The tall-rangy defenceman was an offensive dynamo for Lethbridge this season and was one of the biggest risers throughout the season.
Every player develops at a different rate and Cotton is known as a “late bloomer” due to his meteoric rise that didn’t take place until his 2nd year of draft-eligibility.
2019-2020 Recap
GP: 63 G: 20 A: 47 P: 67 +/-: 15
Cotton came out of nowhere and all WHL defenceman in points and finished 2nd in goals, while also finishing 4th in points among all defenceman in the CHL. The offensive talent is there for sure as he patrolled a stellar power-play in Lethbridge with Calen Addison, scoring 7 power-play goals and adding 24 assists for a crazy total on the man advantage.
Cotton’s point production was elite, even surpassing former 3rd overall pick Bowen Byram in primary points/60 with an impressive mark of 2.06.
P1/e60 = primary points/60 min(estimated.)
— Captain Happy-Go-Lucky (@fifteenfeet) June 1, 2020
lets look at some top (draft year +1) defence-men (from https://t.co/fNDIGyWOPF)
Alex Cotton, 2.06, WHL, undrafted
Bowen Byram, 1.98, WHL, picked 4th, 2019
Cotton is a 6'2" RHD
Alex Cotton looks like a possible steal for someone
Still though, Cotton hasn’t received a ton of love from the national media on his sensational season, not being recognized by much about his insane production. His defensive partner Calen Addison got more of the recognition even though Cotton was arguably more impressive this season.
Play Style
Cotton is a big offensive defenceman who possesses a booming shot from the point that is a threat, especially on the man advantage. The Lethbridge Hurricane is also really comfortable straddling the blue line, he makes quick crossovers and uses his fluid skating to open up shooting lanes for himself.
Cotton fires one-timers from the point with regularity, and Lethbridge finds ways to get him the puck:
While Cotton doesn’t excel in his own end, it’s something he can easily become at least average in, he has the frame at 6’2″ if he can add more weight to his body he will have no issue with the size in the NHL.
Cotton doesn’t have great top speed, he has a smooth skating stride which allows him to glide all over the ice and keep pace with other players.
All the tools are there for Cotton and the team that ends up drafting him will be happy they did, he could be the steal of the draft.