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| Reid Boucher theobserver.ca |
First up is Devils forward prospect Reid Boucher. Taken in the fourth round of 2011, the 19-year old from Lansing Michigan has developed into a player to watch. Already signed to an entry level contract on Mar.13, he is someone the organization has a close eye on. Especially with the sudden departure of Ilya Kovalchuk. Losing that kind of scoring threat hurts big time a year after Zach Parise went home to Minnesota. David Clarkson also left for greener pastures in Toronto. Can another American born player help lead the club back to respectability? Let's take a closer look.
Player: REID BOUCHER
Position: Left Wing
Shoots: Left
Height: 5-11
Weight: 187
Born: 9/08/1993
Hometown: Grand Ledge, Michigan
Drafted: New Jersey Devils 2011 4th Round 99th Overall
2011-12: After spending the previous two seasons playing for Team USA in the United States Hockey League, Boucher moved onto juniors playing for the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League. In his rookie year, he posted 28 goals and 22 assists totaling 50 points and 19 penalty minutes in 67 games. He scored 10 of his 28 on the power play and had a minus-19 rating. In the OHL playoffs, he tallied a goal and two assists in six games. In a pro tryout, Boucher got into one game with Albany and didn't register a point.
2012-13: Boucher's second season was memorable shattering Steven Stamkos' record of 58 goals by scoring 62 in 68 games. A remarkable feat that garnered Prospect Of The Year honors. He added 33 assists to finish with 95 points placing him fifth in OHL scoring. He netted 21 power play goals, nine game-winners, a shorthanded goal and went plus-13 with 53 PIM. Unfortunately, the Sting lost in the first round a second straight year despite five points (2-3-5) and two PPG's in four games from Boucher, who struggled at even strength finishing minus-six. The monster year was enough for the Devils to sign him. In 13 games with the River Rats, he tallied five points (3-2-5) with 2 PPG's and 6 PIM.
Scouting Report: Prior to the 2011 Draft, The Hockey Writers' Christopher Ralph felt Boucher would emerge into a sleeper.
Why then am I so big on Boucher? Plain and simple, the kid has a nose for the net that you just can’t teach. He is first and foremost a pure goal scorer with outstanding hands and a quick release to go with his lethally accurate shot. He has an uncanny aptitude to find open ice and knows how to finish when the opportunity arises, especially in clutch situations. While his skating ability has been questioned, he is very shifty to go along with some very good puck skills.
Hockey's Future also liked his ability to find the back of the net. An area the Devils need. He'll continue to need work defensively.
Boucher’s best assets are his deadly accurate shot, lightning-quick release, and his soft hands. Whether it’s in-tight or from outside the circles, Boucher can snipe with the best of them. More quick than fast, Boucher has good vision and knows where to park himself on the ice in order to get quality chances in the offensive zone. He doesn’t let his size keep him from battling for loose pucks and he does not shy away from traffic, however these are two things he needs to do more of to become more involved in the play. His overall defensive game is still a work in progress, but he has plenty of time to polish that area up.
Video: Here are some OHL Highlights of Reid Boucher lighting it up with the Sarnia Sting. You'll notice a shifty skater with a quick release. Exactly what a sniper should be. The puck comes off his stick fast. Marian Gaborik can snap it like that. We're not comparing them. Just an observation. Another point which probably didn't hurt Boucher's development was playing with Nail Yakupov. He probably learned a lot teaming up with the Oilers' 2012 top overall pick. Not only did he get to play with Yakupov but also Canadiens' first rounder Alex Galchenyuk. It must've been a treat for OHL fans. I also found Boucher's record tying and record breaking goals to pass Stamkos. Great touch around the net and offensive instincts.
Future: Boucher is a goal scorer. He'll probably need some polishing in the AHL with Albany before arriving in 2014. If the Devils are smart, they won't rush him. They should let him mature similar to Adam Henrique. Henrique wears number 14. So, I doubt Boucher will don it. I could see him winding up with No.9. Wouldn't that be fitting? Another American prospect with great hands.
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