Why Alex Tuch will breakout in 2022-23
Though it did not happen, it seemed as though Tuch logged an assist every single time he stepped onto the ice – in reality, it was only about half the time, but still, 26 assists in 50 games is a decent number. Now that Tuch should be healthy for an entire season, look for that number to rise, at least to around 0.55 per game.
Tuch also has an uncanny ability to play defense, often using his 6’4, 222lb frame to his advantage. He is excellent at winning puck battles, evidenced by his 40 takeaways, or 0.8 takeaways per game. Tuch also doesn’t mind sacrificing the body, as his 49 blocks showed.
So besides his sheer offensive ability, you can also expect Tuch to turn heads in his defensive game. Just as I am projecting his points-per-game and number of assists to increase, I also believe he will do well in the takeaway/blocked shots column.
And if he plays defense like he did in 2018-19 (92 hits, 40 blocks, 69 takeaways), and it matches increased production on offense, I will say that Alex Tuch truly showed up as a player and that he will be with the Buffalo Sabres for a long, long time.