The Blue Jackets got one of their RFAs taken care of today (not that one), signing newly acquired winger Luke Tuch to a two-year, two-way contract. He was acquired by the team last month in exchange for center Hunter McKown.
By signing a two-way contract, Tuch has committed to the Blue Jackets, and more likely the Cleveland Monsters. He's a veteran of 114 AHL games over the last three seasons, and should bring some valuable experience to the Monsters.
Imposing size and two-way acumen tell the tale.
Tuch is an imposing force on the ice. At 6'3" and 215 pounds, he brings a strong work ethic, physicality, and a competitive two-way game to the mix.
Last season, the Monsters had only a handful of forwards who were 6'2" or taller, and on a lot of nights; those guys were playing in the NHL. Adding size and toughness to their lineup was certainly the target from Don Waddell in making this trade. He said so himself:
"Luke is a big, physical player with great character and a strong work ethic who adds size, strength and toughness to our organizational depth at the forward position..."Don Waddell
While I wouldn't expect Luke to come in and play the role of enforcer; he should at least help the Monsters better weather physical games. On a team who needs scoring from guys like Jordan Dumais, James Malatesta, and Luca Pinelli; he should help balance the lineup out a little bit.
To acquire him, the Jackets traded away center Hunter McKown, who will be missed. But, his role has been replaced by Jack Williams, who is a little younger, and also had a more productive campaign down the middle.
We don't expect Tuch's signing to change anything in the immediate plans for the Blue Jackets or Monsters. But, it will be nice for them to have a heavier depth forward playing in Cleveland next season. Especially come playoff time.
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