David Cotton

March 2022 – The 24 year old Cotton has seen his AHL production dip this season from 14 goals and seven assists in 26 games last season to six goals and seven assists in 48 games. Half the production in nearly double the games is not trending the right way for the centre. If he does see time with the Hurricanes in the future, one would expect it to be in a bottom-six, defensive role. Alex Wyatt

February 2020 – Cotton has taken another step forward this season, scoring 38 points through 31 games, with a pace of 1.22 points per game compared to a pace of 0.92 last season as a junior. He has taken on the role of being more aggressive on the forecheck with more skilled players coming in to play for head coach Jerry York at BC as well. He is a UFA at the end of this year, so it is to be determined whether he will sign with the Hurricanes at the end of the year or opt to sign with another team. Jack LeGwin

April 2019 – Coming off a standout junior season where the rangy forward led Boston College in nearly every major offensive category, including goals (23), points (36), power play points (14) and shots (136) there was some thought to the fact that Carolina would be able to sign Cotton. At this time, an  agreement has not been reached and signs point to Cotton returning to BC for his senior season. Unfortunately for Carolina, this brings into play the former sixth rounder becoming a UFA after the 2019-20 season. We’ll have to wait and see how this one plays out. Kevin LeBlanc

March 2018 – Cotton finished his sophomore season on Chestnut Hill with 28 points and a team-leading 19 assists. He will likely be one of BC’s most relied-upon players as he becomes a upper classmen next season. Kevin LeBlanc

February 2017 – Cotton has been a standout for Boston College this season, currently ranking sixth on the Eagles with 20 points in 30 games. He is the highest freshman scorer on the roster, and has had four games this season where he has two or more scoring points. Carolina drafted Cotton as a raw player who would need time to grow into his frame and skillset, and it appears he is developing nicely. Look for him to spend multiple years at BC, with the possibility to move through the Canes system quickly once his anticipated long college stay is complete.  Kevin LeBlanc

January 2016 – Cotton will be a prospect whose development will be interesting to follow over the next couple of seasons. After spending a successful season with the Colorado Thunderbirds AAA organization, the Boston College commit moved on to Cushing Academy in Massachusetts to play his high school hockey. Cotton easily adjusted, and dominated in his two seasons at Cushing posting 120 points in 65 games.

As an extremely young prospect that hadn’t yet turned 18 when his name was called on draft day, Cotton decided to play this season in the USHL before moving on to BC for his freshman season next year. Currently, the two-way forward is playing with the Waterloo Blackhawks, where he ranks fourth on the team in scoring with 10 goals and 11 assists in 32 games. He has showcased his high level offensive ability with the man advantage where he sits first on the team with five power play markers this year.

From a scouting perspective, Cotton has above average tools. He is a balanced, smooth skater for his size and has solid passing and shooting ability. He has showcased good hockey instincts at every level, and has the willingness and ability to play a 200-foot game. Like many prospects, he needs to continue to build more strength, and will be drastically helped by a college conditioning program next season. Kevin LeBlanc