The Montreal Canadiens continue to add to their prospect pool by inking the Luke Tuch contract. News of the deal was first reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on early Sunday afternoon. Terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed as of press time.
Luke Tuch Contract Signed by Montreal
Tuch, who is the younger brother of NHL veteran Alex Tuch, played four seasons with the Boston University Terriers of the NCAA. The Baldwinsville, New York native had a career-best 10 goals, 20 assists and 30 points this season. Boston made the Frozen Four before losing to the eventual champion Denver University Pioneers. Tuch did notch a goal in the national semifinal for the Terriers.
The 22-year-old scored 31 goals and dished out 40 assists for 71 points in 121 collegiate games. Montreal originally drafted Tuch in the second round, 47th overall of the 2020 NHL Draft. Tuch could have become a free agent had he not signed his deal. However, it seems like Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has avoided letting Tuch get to the open market.
The Tuch brothers did get to play on Team USA at the 2023 IIHF World Championships. Luke suited up in four games and netted a goal during the 2023 tournament.
What it Means
Montreal adds another highly-touted collegiate player to their prospect pool. The Habs signed Tuch’s college teammate Lane Hutson earlier in the week to an entry-level deal. There are hopes that Hutson can have a similar impact like former NCAA standout Cole Caufield.
Tuch is a big body that can set screens on the power play in the same vein of a Chris Kreider. He’s also been used in all phases of the game, including the power play and the penalty kill.
The Habs are hoping to hit another home run with an American college player. It’s unsure if Tuch will play on the big club or report to AHL Laval.
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