The 24-year-old Boucher is first and foremost a shooter. He's always looking to shoot when given the opportunity and doesn't possess a lot of playmaking ability. He was an indispensable player for AHL Utica last season, scoring 46 points in 45 games, but in 20 games for the Canucks he scored just three goals and five points with a minus-12 rating. His one-dimensional play limits his ability to contribute in other areas, so if he's not used in a scoring role in the NHL there isn't an ideal fit for him elsewhere in the lineup, and there will be plenty of competition for top-six roles. It's likely Boucher will split the 2018-19 season between the AHL and NHL again.
Boucher signed a new one-year contract with the Canucks in the offseason after scoring five goals in 27 games following a trade from New Jersey. While it isn't confirmed he'll be in Vancouver’s Opening Night lineup come October, he possesses enough offensive talent to slot in on the third or fourth line. Boucher has racked up 37 points in 112 career NHL games and was close to a point-per-game player in the AHL, so the offensive skill is there for him to be a contributor at the NHL level. Boucher likely won't have talented linemates or see power-play time, but if he can lock down a roster spot, he’s capable of being a decent depth scorer.
One of New Jersey’s brighter offensive prospects, Boucher snagged 22 goals and 38 points in 56 contests in the AHL while potting just two goals in 23 contests with the big club. He won’t come close to challenging the 62 goals he notched in his last season with OHL Sarnia, but he should see some time with the Devils this season, either due to injury or a lack of scoring. New Jersey definitely needs scoring help, but Boucher may be a year or two away from being able to consistently contribute. File his name away for keeper leagues.
The OHL was all abuzz about Boucher after the center smashed Steven Stamkos' scoring record with the Sarnia Sting, notching 62 goals and 95 points one season ago. Nevertheless, there seems to be some concern regarding Boucher's size and his ability to be an NHL scorer. Expecting him to produce at his OHL pace in the NHL is silly, but he did put up five points in 11 AHL contests to end the first snippet of his professional career following Sarnia's exit from the OHL playoffs. The odds are slim that Boucher will make the Devils' roster out of training camp this season but he could see some limited action if he produces in the AHL or the Devils have injury issues. Regardless, Boucher is a keeper prospect worth remembering for the 2014-15 season.
A fourth-round pick by New Jersey in the 2011 draft, Boucher played most of last season with the OHL's Sarnia Sting, registering 28 goals and 50 points in 67 games. He played one contest in the AHL last year after signing an entry-level contract. Look for Boucher to hopefully turn some heads in Albany (AHL) this season, but he's worth remembering as player with offensive upside in New Jersey's organization.
A fourth-round pick by New Jersey in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Boucher will play in the Ontario Hockey League this season.
