It is always tough to get an adequate return when a franchise trades one of the top players in the league, like when the Buffalo Sabres traded Jack Eichel. At the time, because of the things surrounding the situation, the Sabres had to do and found a trading partner in the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Golden Knights and Eichel have gone on to have plenty of success, while the Sabres have continued to struggle. However, the return the Sabres got hasn't been part of the problem, and one player in particular has developed into one of their top players.
Alex Tuch has now had two 35+ goal seasons in the past three seasons and has been one of the top players on the team behind Tage Thompson. He is a fan favorite and one who wants to be in Buffalo, as he grew up just down I-90 in Syracuse.
"“I love it here in Buffalo,” said the 28-year-old, adding that he hasn’t thought much about his contract status. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here, and I would like to win here in Buffalo."
Buffalo Sabres have to reach a long-term deal with Alex Tuch
With the Sabres' struggles, it is not really common for players to want to play in Buffalo and remain with the team. However, Alex Tuch does and is one of the reasons the Sabres must get a new deal done before he hits free agency next summer.
There would certainly be risk with signing him to a seven or even eight-year deal because he will be 29 years old this season. He probably won't be producing like he is now by the end of that contract, but right now, the Sabres need to show a commitment to retaining their top players. They can no longer continue to be a feeder system for the rest of the league, where players have good years in Buffalo but have better ones with other teams.
If the Sabres commit to Tuch, it sends a message that they want to win and become relevant again. There would be no better player to make that statement with then re-signing Alex Tuch, a player who wants to be with this team and been a leader over some of the tougher years this organization has dealt with.