This season is shaping up to be one of the biggest in Alex Tuch's career. The Buffalo Sabres forward is entering the final season of his contract, and if recent reports are accurate, it seems likely that he will be entering the regular season without an extension.
It will only give Tuch even more motivation to deliver an excellent season, as it will only help his case for his contract demands, whether with the Sabres or in free agency. Over the past three seasons, Tuch has averaged over 68 points per season, but he makes more of an impact outside of just goals and assists. He is one of the better two-way players for the Sabres and wants to be recognized as such.
Last season, for the first time in his career, Tuch earned some votes for the Selke Trophy, and earlier this month, he noted he has a goal of making it into the Top 5. The goal is a lofty one, but it got a little easier with a recent injury for a player on the Florida Panthers.
Aleksander Barkov's knee injury creates a wide-open race for the Selke Trophy that Alex Tuch could factor into
Over the past two seasons, Aleksander Barkov has been one of the best two-way forwards in the league and was recognized as such by winning the Selke Trophy both times. Barkov has received over 1,300 votes in each year and is the only player to break 900 votes during that time frame.
However, there will be a new winner this season after Barkov suffered a knee injury during practice this week that will cost him months, if not the entire regular season. It is an unfortunate injury for a player who is one of the best in the league and a big reason the Panthers have won back-to-back Stanley Cups.
Alex Tuch is going to be a key part of the Buffalo Sabres this season, like he has been previously, and if he is in the discussion for the Selke Trophy, it can only mean good things for Buffalo on the ice. However, it might make contract negotiations even tougher than they have been.