Reid Boucher in the NHL next year?

[Lenain22]

Title says everything !!

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

highly, highly doubtful. hes not ready.

 

[CerebralGenesis]

unless he has made incredible strides this summer, we are in deep **** if he does for an extended period

 

[Marshal Rochambeau]

It's certainly not out of the question.

 

[ghdi]

We signed him to his EL, so he is going to get a really hard look come training camp. He could make the team depending on how the team is built in the next few months.

 

[glenwo2]

Jumping the gun....just a bit, OP.

Would be nice but he needs more seasoning(and I don't mean herbs and spices).

 

[Devils731]

I doubt it.

 

[Classic Devil]

Really hope not. Ideally he and Merrill should both get a full year in the AHL.

 

[Cowbell232]

Title says everything !!

Does it? /Arrested Development

Why do you ask? If it's for a fantasy league, don't bother with him. If it's because you're friends with him, probably won't be in the NHL next year. If it's because you just want to know, that's just curious.

 

[BrodeursCups]

Not a chance. I want him in the ahl working on his skating and game in all 3 zones. There's a lot to like about him, but he needs to improve in numerous areas. At minimum one full year in the A and give him a look next year if he impresses in camp. Would be a big mistake to rush him.

 

[SeidoN]

he'll be killed...

 

[apice3*]

If Boucher makes the NHL squad next year, we're in big trouble. Or he's really good. But probably trouble.

 

[Devils Trap]

If Boucher makes the NHL squad next year, we're in big trouble. Or he's really good. But probably trouble.

15% chance its because he is really good. 85% chance we are in big trouble

 

[ZadorovNJD*]

I hope so!!

 

[NJDevs26]

Matteau made it last year without being in the minors so its certainly possible...but likely not good news if he does.

 

[Classic Devil]

Matteau made it last year without being in the minors so its certainly possible...but likely not good news if he does.

Matteau and Boucher have very different games. Matteau plays a bottom-6 type game. That's not true for Boucher.

 

[apice3*]

Matteau made it last year without being in the minors so its certainly possible...but likely not good news if he does.

Matteau was a first rounder and also had an NHL-ready body and wasn't going to improve much more in juniors. He was also ineligible for the AHL where I imagine he would have played.

None of this applies to Boucher.

 

[MartyOwns]

i think we'll see him filling in for a minor top-6 injury as the year progresses, if at all. he definitely shouldn't be making the club out of training camp, or we're ******.

 

[Bleedred]

If we didn't give Tedenby a one way then I wouldn't have been surprised to see Boucher get a serious look. Maybe not a whole season, but some time.

 

[Richer's Ghost]

only if everything goes wrong.

oh the huge manatee wrong

 

[New Jersey Devils]

 

[devilsblood]

Matteau and Boucher have very different games. Matteau plays a bottom-6 type game. That's not true for Boucher.

And Matteau is a big strong kid, physically he was ready. Boucher? Don't know how physically ready he is.

I tend to think Boucher will not be in the NHL next year. Though I would not be surprised if he gets a taste some time during the year.

 

[ghdi]

I think there's a tad bit of pessimism here. I'm in general agreement that he's probably not going to be in Newark for the duration of the season, but he's similar in size and age to RNH and Huberdeau. If he comes into camp and lights it up, then its not the worst thing that could happen if he's here. Slim chance, but can't be discounted yet.

If we are in that much trouble, they won't make him a sacrificial lamb. He'll have to overachieve to get any meaningful gametime.

 

[BrodeursCups]

Matteau and Boucher have very different games. Matteau plays a bottom-6 type game. That's not true for Boucher.

Yup. Too bad we can't combine their games

 

[MountainGoat]

I think he'll impress everyone in Albany and get called up for a couple games