The Columbus Blue Jackets announced a trade that brings forward Luke Tuch into the organization, sending 23‑year‑old Hunter McKown to the Montreal Canadiens. The transaction was confirmed by the team’s management and marks a shift in the Jackets’ forward lineup heading into the upcoming season.
Tuch, a 24‑year‑old native of Syracuse, New York, arrives after two full seasons with the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League. In 114 AHL games he has compiled 15 goals, 13 assists and 28 points while logging 122 penalty minutes and maintaining a +8 plus/minus rating. His collegiate career at Boston University was equally impressive, where he served as an alternate captain for his junior and senior seasons and helped the Terriers capture regular‑season and Hockey East Tournament championships in 2022‑23.
Waddell’s Praise
President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell described Tuch as a big, physical player with great character and a strong work ethic. Waddell highlighted the forward’s blend of size, grit and offensive upside, noting that Tuch’s experience at the IIHF World Hockey Championships with Team USA adds an international dimension to his profile.
McKown, who signed with the Blue Jackets as a free agent in March 2023, managed just two points in 12 NHL appearances last season and added eight penalty minutes. In the AHL he recorded 31 goals, 49 assists and 80 points in 184 games for the Cleveland Monsters, establishing himself as a depth forward with a willingness to contribute in all zones.