When the Ottawa Senators selected Tyler Boucher with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, it was a big moment. The Senators had hoped with Boucher taken that high he would be NHL ready quickly.
So far, that hasn't been the case for Boucher. Since being drafted, Boucher has yet to play an NHL game. The Senators passed on the opportunity to select Wyatt Johnston in the same draft. The Dallas Stars capitalized on the Senators passing on Johnston, and selected him with the 23rd overall pick in the draft.
Since playing in the AHL with the Belleville Senators last season, Boucher has had it rough with his inability to produce offense. At 21 years old, a new team and system might be needed for Boucher to save his career and develop faster. However, Boucher at last has made progress in Belleville, but it took a long time.
Boucher at last recorded his first AHL point this season
After 16 AHL games, Boucher finally recorded his first AHL point. Boucher scored his first goal of the 2024-25 season last night in Belleville's 6-3 win against the Manitoba Moose. Boucher scored the goal to cut Manitoba's lead to 3-2 past halfway through the second period.
BOUCH buries his first of the season 👊 https://t.co/aPUKvkAXV2 pic.twitter.com/bYsZu9RwS0
— Belleville Senators (@BellevilleSens) December 7, 2024
Boucher has had a rough time developing his game since being drafted by the Senators in 2021. In the 2021-22 season, Boucher recorded three points in 17 games at Boston University, and also played 24 games with the Ottawa 67's in the OHL and recorded 14 points.
In the following 2022-23 season, Boucher recorded 17 points in 21 games with the 67's, and also recorded four points in six games on the USA U20 team.
Last season is when the troubles for Boucher started deeply. Boucher recorded five points in 21 games in the AHL in Belleville. Today, Boucher took 16 games to record his first AHL point this season.
Ottawa needs Boucher to develop faster and be a productive player, but it hasn't been the case. Boucher scoring a goal yesterday may have boosted his confidence, but Ottawa will need Boucher to be more consistent to give him a chance to play at the NHL level.