Senators Re-Sign Tyler Boucher

The Ottawa Senators are giving a former top prospect another go in the organization. According to a team announcement, the Senators have re-signed forward Tyler Boucher to a one-year deal for the 2026-27 season.

It’s safe to say that Boucher, 23, hasn’t exactly worked out as hoped. Ottawa selected the Scottsdale, AZ native with the 10th overall pick of the 2021 NHL Draft, and he’s one of four first-round picks in that summer’s draft to have yet to make his NHL debut. The other three being Chaz Lucius (Winnipeg Jets), Corson Ceulemans (Columbus Blue Jackets), and Chase Stillman (New Jersey Devils).

Boucher was considered a reach at the time. Leading up to the 2021 NHL Draft, Boucher was not ranked in the top-10 of North American skaters and was ranked 29th on Bob McKenzie’s, then with TSN, final draft rankings. Boucher faced significant challenges in his draft year, suffering from two knee injuries and a bout of Covid-19. As a result, he was limited to just five appearances during the season, making it difficult to assess his potential.

He originally began his post-draft year with the NCAA’s Boston University Terriers, but after signing his entry-level contract with the Senators, he became ineligible to continue. He finished his tenure with the Terriers, having registered two goals and three points in 17 games with a -6 rating. Boucher joined the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s for the remainder of the 2021-22 campaign.

Unfortunately, injuries continued to derail Boucher’s career, limiting him to 21 games with the 67’s in the 2022-23 campaign and 21 games with the AHL’s Belleville Senators in 2023-24 after he joined the professional ranks. Finally back to full health for the 2024-25 season, Boucher finished the year with five goals and 10 points in 47 games with a -4 rating.

At the beginning of last season, Boucher was already five years removed from being selected with the 10th overall pick. Players drafted after him, such as J.J. Moser, Matthew Knies, and Wyatt Johnston, had already gotten off to impressive starts to their careers, with Boucher quickly being framed as a bust. He took a small step forward in 2025-26, registering 12 goals and 26 points in 47 games with a +7 rating.