What to Expect From Tyler Boucher

The Senators shocked the hockey world at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. At 10th overall, they selected Tyler Boucher, a forward playing with the United States Development Team. The years that have followed have been disastrous for Boucher. Now, Boucher is 21 years old heading into his second season with the Belleville Senators. He has become an afterthought as far as contributing with the Ottawa Senators at the NHL level. What’s gone wrong, and what needs to change to improve Boucher’s situation? Let’s dive in. 

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The 2021 Draft

If there’s any draft ranking that deserves the ultimate respect, it’s Bob McKenzie’s. His list takes into account the rankings of 10 scouts. Prior to the draft, McKenzie’s list put Tyler Boucher 29th overall. Here are the names around Boucher’s, with where they ended up being drafted: 

25. Zachary L’Heureux (drafted 27th)

26. Daniil Chayka (drafted 38th)

27. Logan Stankoven (drafted 47th)

28. Aatu Raty (drafted 52nd)

30. Samu Tuomaala (drafted 46th)

31. Zach Dean (drafted 30th)

32. Simon Robertsson (drafted 71st)

33. Mackie Samoskevich (drafted 24th)

34. Oskar Olausson (drafted 28th)

35. Logan Mailloux (drafted 31st)

Needless to say, Boucher was picked way higher than expected. Had he been picked at any of the spots listed above, he wouldn’t be nearly as scrutinized as he is now, with his status as a former top 10 pick being used against him. That was a choice Pierre Dorion and company decided to make. Boucher fit the mold of the typical Pierre Dorion draft pick- big, strong, skates well, works hard. Boucher was seen as perhaps the most physical player in the draft. As surprised as people were about the pick, there was reason for excitement as he headed to Boston University post draft. 

2022 Season and Beyond

Boucher didn’t last long at Boston University. In 17 games, he managed just two goals and three points before leaving to join the Ottawa 67s in the OHL. In 24 games with the 67s, Boucher scored seven goals and 14 points in 24 games. He was not named to Team USA’s World Junior Team, a big disappointment for a top 10 pick. The next season saw Boucher score 10 goals and 17 points in 21 games. He did make the World Junior team this year, scoring three goals and four points in six games. That takes us to last season where Boucher scored two goals and five points in 21 games. 

The common theme among Boucher’s last few seasons is a lack of games played. Dating back to his draft year, he has played in just over 100 total games. By comparison, Zack Ostapchuk, taken in the second round that same year, has played in over 260 games over that same time. With Boucher only playing 20-30 games every year, it’s been hard for him to find a consistent role on the many teams he’s been a part of. 

Expectations Going Forward

Tyler Boucher should no longer carry with him the top ten label. Clearly, he was drafted too high, and his seasons since being drafted have been filled with inconsistency, a lack of production, and plenty of injuries. What’s most important for Boucher this upcoming season is staying healthy. That is a challenge with his abrasive style, but being in the Belleville Senators lineup for 60+ games would afford him the opportunity to find his role and grow within it. The reality is Boucher was never a high upside offensive player. He needs to play a physical game, using his skating and strength to his advantage. If he can be a good energy player in the AHL this season, that’s as much as anyone could hope for.