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2014 first round pick Alex Tuch has signed a three-year entry level contract with the Minnesota Wild, ending his college eligibility after two seasons.
Tuch scored 18-16-34 in 40 games with Boston College this season. We ranked Tuch as the 14th-best NHL prospect in college hockey this season, with this scouting report:
It was a difficult start to the season for Tuch. He suffered a knee injury during the US World Junior evaluation camp this summer, and got off to a slow start this year as a result. That led to his surprising snub from the US World Junior team, despite playing a big role on the team the year prior. But by the end of the year, Tuch was back to showing why the Wild selected in the first round of the 2014 Draft.
He's a big forward with smooth skating and strong puck-handling ability. The quick release on his heavy wrist shot makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the ice.
Tuch joines teammates Steve Santini, Miles Wood, and Adam Gilmour in signing early offseason, leaving some big holes in the Eagle line-up to fill for next season.