2014 Draft Eligibles: Is Boston College commit Alex Tuch the next John LeClair?

Alex Tuch is a top prospect for the 2014 NHL Draft. (Photo c/o The Hockey News)

It’s pretty easy to see why Alex Tuch has been rising up the draft boards in recent months. Tuch, who plays right wing for U.S. National Developmental Team in Ann Arbor, Mich., picked the perfect season to have a breakout year.

The Baldwinsville, NY native can best be described as a locomotive on the ice. He stands at 6’4, 215 pounds, and for his size he can skate like the wind. He’s a robust winger who creates havoc on the ice with his size and strength. He’s a man playing against boys.  

He’s an impressive forechecker who uses his frame incredible well to protect the puck. His lighting quick release and booming shot are what stand out to me. Tuch has the ability to score anytime he’s on the ice. For his size, he displays surprisingly soft hands reminiscent of San Jose Sharks’ Joe Thornton.

NHL Central Scouting lists Tuch as their 21^st North American skater, while ISS Hockey has the dominating winger as their ninth overall prospect in their March rankings. TSN’s Bob McKenzie lists Tuch as his 19^th overall prospect in his midseason rankings.     

Tuch, who is a product of the Syracuse Stars minor hockey program, has added the necessary scoring production to his resume that could propel him into the first-round. In 51 games this season, Tuch has 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points. Of his 28 goals, seven are on the power-play and six are of the game-winning variety. I’m not a big +/- guy, but Tuch is currently a plus-30.

It’s honestly hard to find a weakness in his game. The one area he could improve upon is the faceoff dot. Back in January versus St. Cloud State, Tuch was moved to center where he struggled mightily in the dot going 1 for 10. He’s best fit on the wing, not at center.        

Tuch is committed to attend Boston College in the fall and should provide an immediate impact for the Eagles. Anytime you’re dealing with high-profiled prospects that are choosing the college route, one has to worry about them jumping to the CHL. Tuch’s OHL rights are held by the Guelph Storm as he was drafted 94^th overall in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection Draft. 

Here are some players in recent years that have committed or played college hockey and then decided play in the CHL. Mike McCarron (MTL) committed to Western Michigan then decided to play for London.  Ryan Hartman (CHI) was a Miami commit, instead he played for Plymouth. Adam Erne (TB) committed to BU and then jumped to play for the Quebec Remparts. JT Miller (NYR) was a North Dakota commit who also played for Plymouth. Tyler Biggs (TOR) left Miami after a year to play for Oshawa.  Brandon Saad (CHI) committed to Michigan, but played in Saginaw. Charlie Coyle (MIN) left BU and left midseason to go to St. Johns. 

I don’t think he’ll jumped ship and de-commit from BC, but nothing is firm until he steps foot on campus in the fall.

One interesting fact is Tuch lived a few houses away from former NHLer Tim Connolly and grew up idolizing him. So far, Tuch has taken the steps that should enable him to display his gifts at the NHL level.

I don’t like making comparisons, but in terms of impact and contributions on the ice, Tuch does have a bit of John LeClair and Joe Thornton to his game. I’m not saying he’s going to sniff what those players have accomplished, but the similarities are there.

As far as where he’ll end up come June, it’s hard to believe 30 NHL teams will pass over a guy with Tuch’s size and skill. He’s the type of player teams will covet. I’ll be shocked if he slips out of the top 20.

I could see Tuch on the Flyers radar as he fits their mold. Philadelphia desperately needs a power forward in their prospect pool and Tuch would fit the bill, however, I don’t see him lasting into the 20’s. Vancouver, Montreal and Tampa are other possible destinations.

Overall, he’s a competitive and determined player whose progress has been excellent. I’ll be intrigued to watch him over the next few years.