Report: Montreal Canadiens sign Luke Tuch to contract

The Montreal Canadiens continue to expand their prospect pool by signing Luke Tuch. News of the deal was first reported by Sportsnet contributor Elliotte Friedman early Sunday afternoon. Terms of the deal were not disclosed at press time.

There's still a lot of work to be done, but it looks like 2020 second-rounder Luke Tuch will sign with the Canadiens

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 14, 2024

Signed contract with Luke Tuch from Montreal

Tuch, the younger brother of NHL veteran Alex Tuch, played four seasons with the Boston University Terriers of the NCAA. The Baldwinsville, New York, native posted a career-best 10 goals, 20 assists and 30 points this season. Boston reached the Frozen Four before losing to the eventual champion Denver University Pioneers. Tuch scored a goal for the Terriers in the national semifinals.

The 22-year-old scored 31 goals and had 40 assists for 71 points in 121 college games. Montreal originally drafted Tuch in the second round, 47th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. Tuch could have become a free agent if he had not signed his contract. However, it appears Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes has avoided letting Tuch hit the open market.

The Tuch brothers were allowed to play on Team USA at the 2023 IIHF World Championship. Luke played four games and scored one goal in the 2023 tournament.

What it means

Montreal is adding another highly touted college player to its prospect pool. The Habs signed Tuch's college teammate Lane Hutson to an entry-level contract earlier this week. The hope is that Hutson can have a similar impact as former NCAA star Cole Caufield.

Tuch is a big body who can impact the Chris Kreider-style power play. He was also used in all phases of the game, including the power play and penalty kill.

The Habs are hoping to hit another home run with an American college player. It is uncertain whether Tuch will play with the big club or move to AHL Laval.

Main photo by: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

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