It's been a long road for the Los Angeles Kings' 2019 fifth-overall pick Alex Turcotte.

Things haven't gone according to plan, and many have labeled him a bust.

However, on Wednesday night, after 4.5 seasons, 132 professional games, and many injuries; Turcotte scored his first career goal against the Nashville Predators.

Turcotte was called up last week, made his NHL season debut against the St. Louis Blues, and had a strong game, earning him another start against the Predators.

He was "robbed" of his first career point in the first period after not being credited with an assist on Carl Grundstrom's opening goal, but he wasn't going to be denied on Wednesday.

Catching the Predators out on a line change, he attacked open space on the left side of the ice, receiving a pass from Trevor Moore who knifed through the neutral zone and beat Juuse Saros up over the blocker.

It was a great play from Turcotte, recognizing open space and a good finish to boot.

Turcotte was fired up after the goal, as were his teammates who have watched him battle through injuries over the last few seasons.

This is a great goal to see on so many levels. For Turcotte personally, this has to be a massive weight off his shoulder.

His injury history, particularly his recent struggles with concussions, weighed on him heavily and it is never easy not living up to draft expectations.

While this first goal and back-to-back strong games don't change a lot, he's proving he can play in the NHL and have an impact.

That's not only good for Turcotte but for the Kings as well. If he can become a solid, middle-six player for them in the next year, that's huge.

He doesn't need to be the star you hope for when drafting a player fifth overall, he just needs to be a player who can contribute.

I've seen enough from him in the AHL, at training camp, and in his short stint in the NHL to confidently say he can be a positive impact for this team.

Having always a fan of his game, I still think there's a chance he can be even more than a middle-six contributor if given the opportunity. There's still top-six potential there.