Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.ontariohockeyleague.com
- Name: Tyler Cuma
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-1
- Weight: 180 lbs
- Birthdate: 1990-01-19
- Eligible for Draft: 2008
- Drafted: 2008
- Hometown: Bowmanville, Ontario
- Acquired: 1st round (23rd overall), 2008
- Playing In: Pro
Tyler Cuma
Prospect Grade: 7.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2006-07: After being selected sixth overall in the 2006 OHL Priority Draft, Cuma went on to have a very good season with the Ottawa 67s. Named team rookie of the year, Cuma registered 19 points (3 goals, 16 assists) in 63 games.
2007-08: The only Ottawa defenseman with a positive plus/minus rating, Cuma was also able to increase his offensive output from the blueline. With 32 points (4 goals, 28 assists) in 59 regular season games, Cuma was second among defensemen on the 67s in scoring. He won Ottawa's Top Scholastic Player and was named to the OHL All-Star Game. Cuma was also named to Team Canada in both the 2007 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and the 2008 U-18 WJCs in Russia.
Drafted by Minnesota in the first round, 23rd overall, in 2008.
2008-09: Cuma was expected to challenge for a roster spot on the Wild, represent Canada at the World Junior Championships and lead his vastly improved 67’s deep into the postseason. Cuma did come close to cracking the Wild roster, as he was one of the last players cut, and was all but guaranteed a roster spot on Canada’s junior squad until tearing his MCL at Canada’s world junior camp. After watching team Canada win gold from the side line, Cuma had to have his torn MCL surgically repaired, putting an end to what would have probably been his final year in the OHL.
2009-10: Cuma returned to the Ottawa 67's for a fourth OHL season after signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Wild in July 2011. After playing in just 21 seasons the previous year due to a knee injury, Cuma was a force on defense as Ottawa finished first in the East Division and won a first round playoff series. Skating in 52 of 68 games he scored 5 goals with 17 assists and was +9 with 73 PMs, third most on the team. Cuma played in all 12 playoff games and was -2 with 5 assists and 20 PMS.
2010-11: Cuma skated in 31 games for the AHL's Houston Aeros in his first pro season; suffering a season-ending knee injury in late February. Cuma was -3 for the Aeros, with 1 goal, 3 assists and 15 PMs.
Talent Analysis
A reliable two-way defenseman of average size, Cuma had a big offensive upside, which he employs effectively without sacrificing coverage in his own zone. A strong skater with excellent puck moving skills, Cuma has a high hockey IQ and good vision. When these talents are coupled with his outstanding work ethic, Cuma has a bright future.
Future
Cuma has the potential to be a solid top-four defenseman in the NHL.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: December, 13th 2011
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