The Montreal Canadiens continue to add to their prospect pool by inking the Luke Tuch deal. News of the trade was originally revealed by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman on early Sunday afternoon. Terms of the deal have yet to be released as of press time.
Still work to be done, but looking like 2020 second-rounder Luke Tuch will sign with the Canadiens
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 14, 2024
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 winner Denver University Pioneers. Tuch did notch a goal in the national semifinal for the Terriers.
The 22-year-old scored 31 goals and gave out 40 assists for 71 points in 121 collegiate appearances. Montreal originally drafted Tuch in the second round, 47th overall at the 2020 NHL Draft. Tuch might have become a free agent had he not signed his deal. However, it seems like Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has delayed letting Tuch get to the open market.
The Tuch brothers did got to play on Team USA at the 2023 IIHF World Championships. Luke suited up in four games and recorded a goal during the 2023 tournament.
What it Means
Montreal gets 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 expectations that Hutson can have a similar influence like former NCAA great Cole Caufield.
Tuch is a large guy that can set screens on the power play in the same vein of a Chris Kreider. He’s also been deployed in all phases of the game, including the power play and the penalty kill.
The Habs are looking to hit another home run with an American collegiate talent. It’s unknown if Tuch will play on the big team or report to AHL Laval.
