John Mersits / USA TODAY NETWORK

Montreal Canadiens Sign NCAA Prospect To Entry-Level Contract

Originally posted on Montreal Hockey Now | By Marc Dumont | Last updated 4/16/24

The Montreal Canadiens have announced they have signed Luke Tuch to a two-year, entry-level contract. The 22-year-old forward was chosen 47th overall at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.

Tuch has since developed alongside top prospect Lane Hutson in the NCAA, in addition to serving as the Boston University Terriers’ alternate captain in 2022-23 and 2023-24.

He put an end to his NCAA career in style, scoring the lone Terriers goal in the team’s 2-1 semi-final loss to the Denver Pioneers at the Frozen Four tournament.

#GoHabsGo prospect Luke Tuch scores a huge shorthanded goal to give BU the lead. https://t.co/aaGFn4jLDj

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) April 11, 2024

A Matter Of Logistics

There was a slight hold-up when it came to negotiations, as the Canadiens likely preferred to see the deal kick in next season, while Tuch’s camp pushed for a situation that would immediately burn a year off the contract.

In the end, the two sides finally agreed on a contract that comes into effect in 2024-25.

The Canadiens have agreed to terms on a two-year, entry-level contract (2024-25 to 2025-26) with forward Luke Tuch.

News release ↓ #GoHabsGo https://t.co/rYcRWTllQP

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 16, 2024

Tuch spent four seasons in the NCAA, scoring 31 goals and 40 assists in 121 games for the Terriers, with his first few seasons negatively impacted by injuries and the pandemic. He found his scoring rhythm during his fourth year in the league, scoring 10 goals and 20 assists in 39 games, though it should be noted he played on the left wing of a line that featured top 2024 prospect Macklin Celebrini.

Given his limited production, Tuch is expected to spend a season or more playing in the AHL. This would give him an opportunity to adapt to the lack of time and space in professional hockey.

He projects as a hard-working player with decent acceleration who brings a certain physical element to the table thanks to his 6’2 frame.

Realistic expectations would suggest he has the potential to eventually become a bottom-six player in the NHL while absorbing minutes on the penalty kill.