It is often iterated in the American Hockey League (AHL) that the development process and path to the NHL isn’t a straight line from Point A to Point B.

For most, it isn’t a lack of dedication or hard work. These guys are always pushing to get to that next level.

Sometimes it’s about getting the right opportunity at the right time, taking advantage and making the most it.

Timing can be a funny thing sometimes.

For Tufte, a 2016 first-round pick of the Dallas Stars, turning pro in 2019-20 and enduring the first of two seasons affected by the COVID pandemic was an entirely new challenge for young players trying to adapt to pro hockey.

“It was tough to get acclimated at first with all the ups and downs from COVID and, you know, obviously guys being on the bubble roster and all that,” Tufte recalled of his first foray into professional hockey and the return to play in a shortened 2020-21 season. “There was so much stuff that happened during the course of the season but I’m glad we’re back to normal.”

The big-bodied forward made his NHL debut with the Dallas Stars in the 2021-22 season, appearing in 10 games that year while also recording his first career NHL goal.

In total, Tufte spent the first four years of his professional hockey career (2019-23) with the Stars organization – with NHL stints in each of the latter two years.

“I think for any young guy that comes in the league, it’s a big learning experience for them,” Tufte said, adding of his time with the Stars organization, “I think the coaches are a little bit harder on guys when they’re younger, and I think that’s good. And I was taught that way when I was with Dallas and Texas, and kind of molded into, like a fourth line role and really got my game into shape.”

After one season with the Colorado Avalanche organization once again saw Tufte appear in NHL action while predominantly playing a large role with their AHL affiliate in Colorado, the Coon Rapids, Minnesota native signed with the Boston Bruins organization in the summer leading into the 2024-25 season.

“He’s obviously a big frame, but he’s another guy that’s kind of finding his identity as he goes along in his career,” Providence Bruins head coach Ryan Mougenel said of Tufte, describing at-length the kind of player he has had on his roster the past year. “He’s got a lot of different things that he can bring to the table. He actually covers a lot of ice. He’s quite quick for such a big body. And then, he seems to always be around the puck.”

That combination of size and speed has allowed Tufte affect the game in all areas at the AHL level throughout his career.

According to Mougenel, the latest area of Tufte’s game that has seemingly put him at the top of the list in terms of call up options for the NHL is a pointed effort toward taking the play to the net more – as evidenced by the way he’s dominating that area of the ice this season and producing a lot of his offensive success this fall with Providence.

“I think there’s going to be an opportunity for him this year. So for me, it’s real important that he keeps his game and his mindset in a really good place,” Mougenel said of Tufte, before adding, “I think for him, it’s about when you get the opportunity up there, how do you play free and how do you get rid of that anxiety that every shift, every play, you’re (fully) invested. And I think that’s a tough thing for guys that aren’t established in the NHL, is finding that opportunity.”

Through 13 games with the AHL Bruins, Tufte has scored eight goals and added eight assists – prompting a call up to Boston last week when injuries on the NHL roster opened the door.

That hot start offensively carried over in his first NHL game of the season on November 17, as Tufte scored Boston’s lone goal in a 3-1 loss to Carolina.

“I think I can play anywhere in the lineup, whether it’s fourth line, first line, power play, penalty kill, which I think is good, because I can bring a lot to the team in that way,” Tufte said of his versatility. “I think I have rounded out my game.”

Perhaps the timing is right for Tufte, or maybe the extra time spent rounding out his game in the AHL is truly the difference.

Either way, opportunity is knocking for Tufte to stick around in the NHL.

And that’s certainly what Tufte is aiming to do with his latest recall to the NHL on the heels of a strong start to the season with Providence.

“I think that’s the next step for me, just getting a good opportunity and getting a 10-game span where I can just go out there and play free,” Tufte explained. “I think that’s really going to be a game-changer for me.”

TUFTE: PHPA ‘Very Involved’ In A-to-Z Player Assistance

Like most players entering the professional ranks, Tufte wasn’t overly aware of everything the union had to offer its members in terms of its partnerships, programs and resources as a rookie breaking into pro hockey.

But just like he has evolved and developed on the ice, Tufte has learned through the PHPA all the resources available to players off the ice in all facets of life – whether through insurance, partnerships and deals with hotels, rental car companies, sport performance supplements, clothing apparel and so much more.

“Yeah, I think it’s great. I think every year they’ve added more stuff. You can see career options; they come and talk to us every year, and they’re pretty involved. So I think they’re doing a great job with all the players,” Tufte said of the PHPA and its staff’s assistance they offer players in a variety of avenues. “Whenever I need something, or my wife needs something, or my kids need something, I can go to them for help which I think is awesome. With one phone call, you’re getting help.”

Now that he’s more knowledgeable about all the resources available to him through the union, Tufte said he finds himself checking the PHPA’s website often to stay up to date on everything they have to offer – personally knowing players who have entered various career paths through the PHPA’s programs after their playing days.

“Whenever the young guys ask me about stuff, I say: reach out to the PHPA,” Tufte said. “They can help you with anything.”

Written by: Tony Androckitis

@TonyAndrock on Twitter/X