Buffalo made several moves before the trade deadline. The fanbase and organization should be happy about one move they did not make. Sabres forward, Alex Tuch, was the subject of much trade speculation, but remains with the team after the looming deadline on Friday.
The 28-year-old forward has been one of the bright spots in a dismal season for Buffalo. He also is currently signed through the 2026/2027 season and if Buffalo wants to turn their organization around, they don't have to look far for an anchor both on and off the ice.
This season, he is second only to Tage Thompson with goals. He has 24 on the year and 48 total points. He also has provided a stable presence on the offensive side of the ice helping to generate many chances for a team that has struggled at times to find the back of the net.
His plus minus is at +13 on the season. That currently leads the Sabres. Tuch has provided every bit of value since coming over in a trade with the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2021.
Tuch has nine game winning goals over the last two years, leading Buffalo.
He is also a fan favorite, and as Buffalo is staring at another season missing the postseason holding on to a player that city can embrace is important moving forward. If he can continue to step the remainder of the season, he could be a vital piece entering the offseason.
It will be interesting to see how he vibes with Josh Norris, he came over from a trade with Ottawa. The newest Buffalo Sabres has 20 goals on the season and was an integral part of the Senators playoff push.
If he can find a rhythm with Tuch and Thompson for the remainder of the year, it could be a sign of things to come to get the puck in the back of the net.
For Tuch, he also has much playoff experience on a young team looking to find their identity and win clutch hockey games. The veteran right winger has played in 66 games in the postseason with 33 points.
Buffalo has seven games this month against teams who are either in a playoff spot or pushing to make it. If Tuch can provide strong leadership and more scoring opportunities and they can put together a strong month it could generate much buzz for next season.
Alex Tuch should be a part of the future for Buffalo and for now not trading him away was the right call for the Sabres.