Bold Prediction: This Buffalo Sabres forward will be an NHL All-Star

ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 30: Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on December 30, 2021 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
ELMONT, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 30: Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders at the UBS Arena on December 30, 2021 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Right-winger Alex Tuch has shined through 13 appearances with the Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres acquired Alex Tuch in a trade in November 2021 with the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Jack Eichel. Because of offseason shoulder surgery Tuch didn’t receive the green light until November 29th, when he started practicing with the team in a non-contact role.

But the wait for Tuch, 25, was well-worth the Sabres’ time. Since debuting with the Sabres, it’s safe to say the they have so far gotten a sound ROI. Tuch has five goals, eight assists, and 13 total points with the team, with a solid 13.5% shooting percentage.

Buffalo Sabres winger will be an eventual All-Star

For a team struggling to score goals, Tuch has come to the rescue and you can only wonder how bright his future is as part of a young Buffalo Sabres team brimming with talent throughout its organizational system. Times are still tough as that young talent continues to develop, but cornerstones like Tuch and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin provide hope for the Sabres’ faithful.

Of course, it was too late for Tuch to come in and make much impact in 2021-22 given his long recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. He first entered the NHL as a member of the Minnesota Wild in 2016-17, however, he made no impact in six appearances.

The Wild were so impressed with Tuch they traded him to the then-expansion Golden Knights. And when healthy, he became a productive player. 2018-19 served as Tuch’s breakout year, when he put up 52 points in 74 games.

Here in 2022, it’s clear the forward has taken his game to another level. He’s second on the team in the plus/minus column, and his one point per game average leads all regular starters on a Sabres team that needs help in the scoring department.

The trade for Tuch also netted Peyton Krebs, plus a first-round pick in 2022, and a second rounder in 2023. Part of a young foundation of forwards that also includes Jack Quinn, Casey Mittelstadt, and Dylan Cozens, Tuch’s future is bright in Buffalo assuming general manager Kevyn Adams holds this young talent together.

(All statistics courtesy of Hockey-Reference)