BOSTON — At 20, in his third season in the NCAA and in excellent health after two seasons struggling with numerous injuries, Luke Tuch has only one thing on his mind right now: to prove to the Canadian leaders that that he has what it takes to develop in Montreal sooner rather than later.

The good thing is that the club’s 2020 second-round pick (47th overall) is currently delivering a return in line with its ambitions.

Watch the main video for a full account of Luke Tuch welcoming TVA Sports to Boston with an open heart as he discusses the many issues surrounding his career.

The hulking 6ft 2in, 203lb left winger from Boston University, the author of some important goals and involved in many tough battles for the puck, plays in the mind of his opponents. And that makes his coach Jay Pandolfo very happy.

“He’s a power forward who’s big and strong. When he moves his feet, he is very effective. He’s also very good on the web.

It’s reassuring to see Tuch performing like this. As I said, his last two seasons have scared many observers about him. Before the start of the year, some even thought that he no longer had a place in the list of high hopes for the team.

“I could blame it on the injuries. But that’s not my style and that would be too easy a shortcut. I had to get better this year,” the young man is convinced.

Be inspired by a player… that CH fans still dream of

When asked if he takes inspiration from a specific NHL player, Tuch specifically cites Jamie Benn, but there is another answer that will make many CH supporters chuckle.

“I would say Brady Tkachuk. I like his aggressiveness, his resilience and the way he has to disrupt his opponents’ play.

Saying that the Habs could count on cloth and on… the real Brady Tkachuk if he hadn’t chosen Jespe… STOP! let’s not go there. Let’s stay positive!

Speaking of positives: Tuch rightly claims that his last talks with the Canadian bosses have been very good for him.

“You still believe in me. The team called me up two years ago for a variety of reasons and are still confident that in 2020 I will achieve the standards they envisioned for me. I speak to Rob Ramage regularly and he gives me no-nonsense advice on a weekly basis. It’s heartwarming to see the way he engages with me.”

His coach (Jay Pandolfo), who has played nearly 900 NHL games, has an encouraging prognosis for Tuch.

“Luke is another guy who will have a career at the Bettman circuit.”

After all, Boston University’s No. 11 wouldn’t be the first big player to take a little longer to develop. Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabers is a perfect illustration of this reality

Watch the main video for my full report on Luke Tuch.

You first learn the importance of his relationship with his brother Alex (Sabres), who is currently enjoying the best season of his NHL career.

You can also hear the personalized message reserved for you by Luke, CH fans. It might make you smile…