Riley Tufte’s first go-around with the Boston Bruins was short-lived.
Tufte, who the Bruins signed to a one-year deal this offseason, was waived by Boston on Saturday with the purpose of him going to the AHL with Providence. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound winger played in just two games for the Bruins, totaling no points and two penalties.
While it wasn’t a stellar first impression from Tufte, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery didn’t rule out Tufte getting another stint with Boston this season.
“Really right now, we wanted him to go down and get reps, opportunity, play in games, getting feeling good about himself,” Montgomery told reporters following morning skate Saturday, per team-provided video. “One thing with the Boston Bruins is we always leave the lines of communication open. And if he goes down and he dominates, he’ll be back up here.”
Tufte, 26, hadn’t played since Oct. 16 against the Colorado Avalanche and registered just nine shifts in that contest. Ironically enough, Boston won both games Tufte played in this season but he was a combined minus-1.
With Boston’s fourth line of Johnny Beecher, Mark Kastelic, and Cole Koepke starring in the early part of this season, there really was no room for Tufte to consistently crack the lineup.
The 2016 first-round draft pick will now try to get more seasoning and stay sharp with Providence. He performed well with the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate last season when he compiled 23 goals and 22 assists for 45 points in 67 games.
Production similar to that could help Tufte find his way back to Boston at some point later this season.
