Buffalo Sabres: Is Alex Tuch the team’s next captain?

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 01: Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres skates with the puck against Brayden McNabb #3 of the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on February 1, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 01: Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres skates with the puck against Brayden McNabb #3 of the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on February 1, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Buffalo Sabres
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 01: Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres skates with the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on February 1, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Golden Knights defeated the Sabres 5-2. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Why Alex Tuch should be the Buffalo Sabres next captain

Mount makes a compelling argument in favor of Tuch. The winger didn’t immediately take the ice for the Sabres. But when he did, the offensive attack slowly improved. Tuch also made an amazing jump, evolving from a middle six player tops in Vegas to a top-line scorer in Buffalo.

He also brings energy both on and off the ice. You saw this energy any time you tuned into a game at the KeyBank Center, but you also saw it if you watched his interviews. Not only was Tuch enjoying himself, he further showed leadership qualities by crediting other players for performances and contributing to the team’s much-needed culture change.

A hometown hero who grew up pulling for the Sabres, Tuch further addressed the culture wasn’t finished changing, displaying incredible foresight. His acknowledging the hard luck that haunted the team over the last decade hasn’t diminished quite yet. But at the same time he pointed out the team’s willingness to stand up to and overcome obstacles and adversity was higher now than it had been in years.

Overall, Tuch’s on-ice performance coupled by his energy and willingness to take on the challenge of digging the Buffalo Sabres out of this deep hole they find themselves in are three top reasons he deserves team captain status.