Proposal: CHI - OTT: Reichel for Boucher

[BoardsofCanada]

Boucher has speed and physicality but zero offense. If he can avoid injuries, he may carve out a checking role in the NHL but it will most likely be a cup of coffee. I don't know much about Reichel but I'm guessing he has more potential for offense.

 

[ottawah]

Boucher has speed and physicality but zero offense. If he can avoid injuries, he may carve out a checking role in the NHL but it will most likely be a cup of coffee.

A big part of the problem is that style can look good in lower leagues, but at the NHL everyone is so much bigger and faster. The guy is roughly average NHL size, its not like he is a hulking monster out there. And if that size is not able to absorb hits to keep him from injury at the lower leagues, the NHL is just that more punishing.

The moral of the story (and many before him) is never over evaluate a players secondary attributes that make a good 3rd and 4th liner. Wilson, Lucic, Torres, clutterbuck, these were all scoring machines in lower leagues and adapted their game. to find their NHL role. Drafting role players at junior leagues (i.e. Griffin Rienhart, Sam Morin) just does not work very often at all.

 

[jbeck5]

A big part of the problem is that style can look good in lower leagues, but at the NHL everyone is so much bigger and faster. The guy is roughly average NHL size, its not like he is a hulking monster out there. And if that size is not able to absorb hits to keep him from injury at the lower leagues, the NHL is just that more punishing.

The moral of the story (and many before him) is never over evaluate a players secondary attributes that make a good 3rd and 4th liner. Wilson, Lucic, Torres, clutterbuck, these were all scoring machines in lower leagues and adapted their game. to find their NHL role. Drafting role players at junior leagues (i.e. Griffin Rienhart, Sam Morin) just does not work very often at all.

To be fair, the guys you name were actually 1st and 2nd line players in their prime. Lucic has a 30 goal season and 5-20 goal + seasons. Wilson has 3-20 goal + seasons. Torres had a 27 goal season and another 20 goal season.

No one is asking or expecting or even hoping he's anywhere near those guys. Those guys played up in your lineup.

Clutterbuck is probably your closest comparable, but then he wasn't really dominating junior either. A bit over ppg his last year and goal scoring was at the same clip as Boucher. But even clutterbuck had a 19 goal season which is above what anyone would hope for from Boucher.

Your point about him not being able to handle lesser leagues physicality is troubling indeed. However, I've seen plenty of players struggle with injuries at a young age and manage to take training more seriously over the years to reduce the amount of injuries. Like a Fisher or Alfredsson or Hossa... So let's cross our fingers lol.

Anyways, I think his value is so low that we might as well see if he can stay healthy and be a solid 4th liner in a couple years rather than trade him for a career ahler or a 6th or something.

If someone offers something of value, then you do it right away.

I have no expectations but also wouldn't be surprised if he was on the 4th line as a 5-10 goal crash and bang 4th liner in a couple years.

 

[ottawah]

Clutterbuck is probably your closest comparable, but then he wasn't really dominating junior either. A bit over ppg his last year and goal scoring was at the same clip as Boucher. But even clutterbuck had a 19 goal season which is above what anyone would hope for from Boucher.

Clutterbuck is my favorite "comparable". Although 2 inches shorter, 10 pounds heavier, allowing him to play that style a bit better.

But D+1 year Clutterbuck was 1.03 PPG, Boucher .58 PPG. D+2 Clutterbuck was 1.37, Boucher was .81.

But I'll agree, if he could turn into a 4th line player even at ~15 points a year its something. Its just at his size, his pedigree (one of the top 20 US players at his age group, draft position aside) and his offensive numbers, it will take some work.

 

[zenator]

Would either player be claimed if on waivers?

Probably yes because they are young. Philly might take a flyer on Boucher due to the family connection and playing style. San Jose or Chicago might try Reichel, as a bottom feeder could be patient to see if he can still develop.

What are they worth in trades? 4th rounder? 5th rounder?

Both players might benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.

 

[jbeck5]

Clutterbuck is my favorite "comparable". Although 2 inches shorter, 10 pounds heavier, allowing him to play that style a bit better.

But D+1 year Clutterbuck was 1.03 PPG, Boucher .58 PPG. D+2 Clutterbuck was 1.37, Boucher was .81.

But I'll agree, if he could turn into a 4th line player even at ~15 points a year its something. Its just at his size, his pedigree (one of the top 20 US players at his age group, draft position aside) and his offensive numbers, it will take some work.

I think he could thicken up though. Being 6'1 205 at 20 isn't small.

Probably heavier than Fisher and about what Neil was at that age.

I'm obviously hoping here haha. Realistically he never makes the show.

But wishful thinking, he could be a 6'1,210 or 215 guy if he could put on muscle without losing much of a step...maybe try to get that weight in his thighs and ass type of thing.