Tyler Cuma

History

2006-07: After being selected sixth overall in the 2006 OHL Priority Draft, Tyler 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.

2011-12: Cuma made his NHL debut with the Wild in an April game against Chicago and skated in 73 games for Minnesota's AHL affiliate in Houston in his second pro season. He saw 11 minutes of ice time and had 2 penalty minutes in 16 shifts in his only NHL game. Putting the knee issues of the previous few seasons behind him, he had a full-time role with the Aeros, finishing minus-four with 9 assists and 48 penalty minutes. Houston finished fourth in the West Division; falling to Oklahoma City in four games in a best-of-five first round playoff series. Cuma played in two playoff games and was minus-one with no points or penalty minutes.

2012-13: One season after playing a career-high 73 AHL games and making his NHL debut Cuma was again sidetracked by injuries – missing nearly a month after suffering a foot injury in February. In 42 games for the Wild's AHL affiliate in Houston, he scored 1 goal with 11 assists and was -8 with 14 penalty minutes. The Aeros were fourth in the South Division and lost to Grand Rapids in the first round of the playoffs. Cuma played in one playoff game and was -1 with no points nor penalty minutes. He was re-signed by the Wild to a one-year contract as a restricted free agent in July, 2013.

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 is an important part of the Iowa blue line who could see some time as an injury call-up this season.