Alex Cotton

June 2022 – Cotton was left unsigned by the Red Wings after drafting him in the 5th round in 2021. He will be eligible to re-enter the 2022 NHL Draft where he will likely be drafted later than his original selection at #132. Pat Quinn

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May 2021- An abbreviated 2020-21 WHL campaign did very little in slowing down Alex Cotton’s production in progression. Playing just 24 games for the struggling Lethbridge Hurricanes, Cotton recorded seven goals and 19 assists, averaging 1.08 points per contest. His 26 points ranked second among Lethbridge skaters in points and fourth among WHL defensemen. Regardless of personal opinions surrounding plus/minus, Cotton’s minus-13 may cause some alarm at first glance. However, one must keep in mind that he played on a team that tied for first in allowing in the most goals-against during this shortened season. Along with taking on a leadership role with the Hurricanes serving as one of the team’s Alternate Captains, Cotton also saw an increase in his on-ice responsibilities, averaging 2:36 per game, playing short-handed. As a team, Lethbridge hoped for a better result; however, it’s hard to argue with the individual progress Cotton made. John Gove

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November 2020 – Cotton was passed over in his initial year of draft eligibility, but the Red Wings took a swing on him in the fifth round of the 2020 draft. He had a huge offensive year as a draft+1 player, scoring 20 goals and 47 assists for 67 points in 63 games with Lethbridge of the WHL. Cotton possesses plenty of offensive skill and loves to jump into the rush but he is often too aggressive and gets caught out of position as a result. His defensive game has a long way to go and his skating could hold him back from being able to unleash his offensive tools at the next level. Nick Richard