The Columbus Blue Jackets announced this week that they have signed forward Luke Tuch to a two-year, two-way contract that will run through the 2027-28 season.
The agreement was reached after the team acquired Tuch from the Montreal Canadiens in a trade finalized on June 25, a move that underscores the Jackets’ intent to bolster their forward depth.
A Contract Designed for Flexibility
A two-way deal means Tuch will earn a different salary depending on whether he is on the NHL roster or assigned to the American Hockey League, giving the club roster flexibility while rewarding the player with a clear path to the majors.
During his most recent AHL stint with the Laval Rocket, Tuch posted 15 goals and 13 assists for 28 points while accumulating 122 penalty minutes across 114 games, and he added 9 goals, 5 assists and 82 penalty minutes in 68 contests last season.
The forward’s collegiate résumé is equally impressive; he spent four seasons at Boston University from 2020-24, serving as an alternate captain during his junior and senior years and helping the Terriers capture both the regular-season title and the Hockey East Tournament championship in 2022-23.
Individually, Tuch recorded 31 goals, 40 assists and 59 penalty minutes in 121 career appearances for the Terriers and earned a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team in 2020-21.
International Experience
Representing the United States on the world stage, Tuch contributed a goal and two penalty minutes in four games at the 2023 IIHF World Hockey Championships, having previously suited up for the U.S. National Team Development Program from 2018 through 2020.
The Blue Jackets’ general manager Don Waddell praised the addition, noting that Tuch’s blend of skill, toughness and work ethic aligns perfectly with the club’s vision for the upcoming season and beyond.