Reid Boucher

Kevin Wickersham

2016-12-03

Reid Boucher - Yahoo Sports

Reid Boucher, LW/RW

Shoots: L

Height: 5-10

Weight: 192

Born: 1992-09-08

Hometown:  Grand Ledge, MI

Drafted: 2011 by New Jersey Devils, 99th Overall

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observations:

December 2016 – Reduced to a little-used spare part with the Devils, Boucher was claimed off waivers by the Nashville Predators. The 23-year-old, who would have been assigned by New Jersey to the AHL had he cleared waivers, has just two assists in nine NHL games this season. Mark Allan

December 2016 – Boucher was placed on waivers by New Jersey, opening a roster spot for Taylor Hall, who has returned from injured reserve after undergoing surgery on his torn left meniscus. The 23 year-old Boucher found little time on the ice this campaign for New Jersey, averaging 12:15 minutes a game and totaling two assists in nine contests. He was a healthy scratch for the three games immediately prior to being waived, and played in only four of New Jersey’s first 14 games this year. Unless he is claimed by another club, Boucher will likely join the Devils’ AHL affiliate in Albany, where he showed a great deal of promise as recently as 2015-16 with 19 goals and 13 assists in 34 games. He did enjoy some success at the NHL level in 2015-16, totaling eight goals and 11 assists in 39 games. Perhaps a change of scenery, and increased icetime, will reinvigorate his game. Kevin Wickersham

January 2016 – Reid Boucher is having his best AHL season yet, with 14 goals and 12 assists in 31 games. Boucher is also shooting a ton, leading the league with 116 shots on goal before his call up to the NHL. Boucher's compete -evel and confidence has earned him the chance to play in the big show. In two games with the Devils Boucher has scored two goals (both game winners) and an assist. This new look Boucher has been very encouraging for a Devils team that has been struggling on offense all season. If Boucher continues his impressive play there is no doubt he will stay in New Jersey. Justin Nobre

November 2015 – Reid Boucher made the team out of training camp before playing three games and becoming a healthy scratch. He was eventually assigned back to Albany to gain some confidence. Boucher has done just that. Since being sent down Boucher has scored seven goals and 10 points in 11 games. He is 4th in scoring 2nd in goals among Albany skaters. If he continues to score at this pace it should only be a matter of time until he gets called up. Justin Nobre

October 2014 – Reid Boucher will start the 2014-15 in the AHL with the Albany Devils where he should thrive offensively.  While Devils management praised Reid Boucher's preseason play, he fell victim to the numbers game for New Jersey.  With the Devils currently dressing older and/or injury prone players, it is only a matter of time before Reid Boucher gets another shot in the NHL.  If he can end up in a scoring role for the Devils he could keep a top nine job permanently.  Michael Riggi

September 2014 – Reid Boucher has impressed Devils management during preseason play showing great energy and plenty of speed.  Unfortunately the Devils are riddled with high salary veterans who will make it difficult for Boucher to see any significant playing time.  Boucher does have one ace up his sleeve in making the squad; his ability to score in the shootout, something the franchise cannot overlook.  Reid Boucher should definitely be considered in dynasty leagues.  As far as drafting players who will have an impact this season- keep an eye on Boucher if the Devils sustain any injuries or trade a veteran. Michael Riggi

April 2014 – Quietly Boucher has had an excellent rookie pro season which has ended up gaining him 23 games of NHL experience in December through most of January. His AHL production was amongst the franchise’s leaders per game and he did show offensive prowess at the top level with seven points, while averaging 11 minutes per night. Boucher’s size causes a little concern but his drive and talent seems to make him a player that can overcome his stature. With the Devils in need of injecting scoring talent into the lineup, he could be a decent mid-level winger within a couple seasons for owners. Jason Banks

April 2013 – Reid Boucher has joined the Albany Devils of the American Hockey League after his Sarnia Sting were defeated in the opening round of OHL Playoffs. In two games for Albany, Boucher has tallied two goals and four points after firing five shots on goal. It is very early into his professional career but the immediate production is promising. Brendan Ross

March 2013 – Reid Boucher had a tremendous season offensively finishing as the OHL's leader in goals with 62, breaking a Sarnia Sting franchise record previously held by Steven Stamkos (58).  Boucher's 95 points was good for fifth in league scoring and was a common name in several of the OHL Western Conference Coaches Poll categories including Best Shot (1st) and Most Dangerous in Goal Area (1st). Brendan Ross

March 2013 – The New Jersey Devils have signed Reid Boucher to a 3-year entry level contract. Brendan Ross

February 2013 – Reid Boucher has been a scoring machine this season as he sits comfortably in first in Ontario Hockey League goals with 49 goals through 54 contests. Blessed with an elite level shot, Boucher is an opportunistic sniper that rarely misses on a scoring chance. He lacks high-end speed and is puck skills are average but when he is placed with a capable playmaker such as Alex Galchenyuk and Charlie Sarault in Sarnia, he finds the back of the net often.  Boucher has top-six upside but he will need to show continued consistency (an area he has drastically improved in this season) and good production at the next level. Brendan Ross

January 2012 – Originally committed to Michigan State, the OHL’s Sarnia Sting persuaded Boucher to join their star-studded lineup instead.  Boucher is an average skater with exceptional shooting skills consisting of a quick release and pin-point accuracy. The Michigan native can flat out score but he has been one of the streakier players for Sarnia going through impressive hot streaks and even longer droughts.  At the NHL level, Boucher has the potential to become a complimentary scoring winger (30+G) but he will need to improve his consistency and strength to better fight off bigger defenders as he lacks the speed and puck handling skills to beat players one-on-one. Brendan Ross

 

Fantasy Outlook:   C+

Still young, and with a good deal of promise, but being waived after spending portions of four seasons with the parent club is not the best omen.

 

Footage:

Scores on a nice move in his first shootout in the NHL.

 

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Discussing his expectations for the 2013-14 season in Pre-Camp.

 

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Boucher’s shot on display.

 

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