Boucher was 18 to start the season, and this is his second OHL season.
Toffoli and Thomas were in their third OHL seasons. Parnham, Caputi, and MacLean were in their fourth OHL seasons. Donati was in his fifth OHL season and was 21. Schremp was in his fourth OHL season.
Cory Locke seems like the most damning comp.
Pretty weak attempt to deflect those comparisons. Thomas and Toffoli notched 54 and 57 goals respectively in their 18 year old seasons, while Boucher is in his 19 year old season. I don't know why the fact Boucher played his 16 and 17 year old seasons with the US NTDP invalidates that comparison. Sure there was maybe an adjustment period at the start, but that shouldn't be relevant a year and a half later.
Clearly Boucher's a very talented goal scorer, but as many have said, it doesn't take a special talent to put up huge goal totals as a 19 year old. And it's not like his skill set is different from those other players as well - Thomas is a similar build, Toffoli has a similar shot. The trend is actually pretty clear.
Boucher has the offensive skill and instinct to be a top player for the Devils in the next few years....his compete level, skating, and size will determine how big of a role he will have as they are going to give him every opportunity.
Boucher has the offensive skill and instinct to be a top player for the Devils in the next few years....his compete level, skating, and size will determine how big of a role he will have as they are going to give him every opportunity.
he's closing in on 60 goals... it's amazing how much he's improved from last season
Exactly how bad is his skating? Who would you compare his skating to?
Honestly, its not that bad. He has a good little motor and a decent first step. He's really strong on his stick and tough to push around near the net/in the corners.
His stride needs work and he'll never be a big time puck carrier, but if Petr Sykora can score 20 goals in this league with his skating ability I think Boucher will be just fine.
Exactly how bad is his skating? Who would you compare his skating to?
It's not "bad", it just lacks a breakaway gear to create chances that way. I would say his one-on-one puck skills would be the more concerning weakness but I've seen improvements in that area too this year.
Boucher is Sarnia's new single-season goal scoring record holder, reaching 60 tonight after a hat trick against Saginaw. Steven Stamkos previously held the record with 58.
Insane goal production. I think he's going to be in the NHL next year.
Hope not. Dont want to rush him. If he proves me wrong in pre-season/camps soo be it, but I dont think he is ready yet. His shot is, but his overall game isnt
Decent speed but not a strength, passing is okay, doesn't use his body a whole lot but has a wicked shot and a goal-scorers mentality. Defensively speaking, he's not too bad either.
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