Tufte, 21, finished his junior season at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) in 2018-19, recording 19 points (9-10=19) in 42 games played and helping the school to their second consecutive National Championship. Amongst team leaders, he finished first with seven power play goals and tied for fourth with nine goals overall.

Video: Riley Tufte's experience at K1 Speed

During his three years at UMD, he competed in the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship Game in each season, winning the last two. In 121 career games played, he recorded 64 points (34-30=64) with a +28 plus/minus rating and 13 power play goals. He also represented the United States at the 2018 World Jr. Championship, helping his country secure a Bronze Medal by recording three assists (0-3=3) in seven games played.

The 6-foot-6, 230-pound native of Coon Rapids, Minnesota was originally selected by Dallas in the first round (25th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft.