With the 18th pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, the Minnesota Wild selected Alex Tuch.
According to Hockey’s Future, Tuch is a 6-foot-3, 218-pound right wing. In 60 games with the United States Under-18 team, Tuch scored 28 goals and 32 assists for a 60-point season in 2013-14.
With the 18th pick, #mnwild selects Alex Tuch, the client of Thomas Vanek's agent. US National Team. Huge forward
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) June 28, 2014
Before the draft, Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher told Michael Russo of the Star Tribune that were they to keep the pick, they would be inclined to use it on a skilled forward.
Overall, just what Fletcher had talked about if they stayed at 18. Getting a F, and their always looking for more scoring.
— Brian Hall (@MNBrianHall) June 28, 2014
#mnwild asst GM Brent Flahr on Tuch: He's a big strong winger with quality hands and an NHL shot. We feel that he has tremendous upside…
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) June 28, 2014
Goaltender was another possible angle with Boston College’s Thatcher Demko on the board.
Minnesota didn’t have a first-round pick in the 2013 draft. Their first selection was the 46th overall pick in round two – defenseman Gustav Olofsson.
Tuch is committed to play at Boston College.
