The Buffalo Sabres and forward Alex Tuch have been the subject of ongoing speculation. Tuch, who’s an impending UFA, is one of the next shoes to drop in the potential 2026 free-agent class. Said class was projected to be among the best in league history. But as would-be UFAs have signed, the star power in that free-agent class has fizzled away.
After Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Kyle Connor, and Jack Eichel signed, the top remaining UFAs-to-be are Tuch, Adrian Kempe of the LA Kings, and Martin Necas of the Colorado Avalanche.
Thus far, it seemed like things were chugging along nicely with Tuch. But things have taken a drastic turn for the worse. News of Josh Norris’ injury has likely upped the heat on Sabres GM Kevyn Adams to get a deal with Tuch done ASAP.
Norris’ injury could not have come at a worse time. The Sabres are down a top-six forward. The potential loss of scoring resulting from Norris’ departure means that Tuch will be more important than ever for Buffalo.
The Sabres need Tuch in the lineup to provide scoring and leadership. But beyond that, the optics of letting Tuch sit without an extension won’t look good in fans’ eyes. Locking up Tuch would signal the club is committed to winning.
In the meantime, Tuch could become a distraction the longer he remains unsigned.
Sabres could trade Tuch if deal falls through
Notable insider David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period ventured into predicting a less-than-favorable outcome for the Sabres regarding Alex Tuch. In an appearance on Daily Faceoff Live from October 9, Pagnotta made two interesting comments.
First, Pagnotta was adamant about the Sabres just caving in and paying Tuch whatever he wants. Pagnotta stated:
“The longer the season goes without a deal, and depending on how the season goes for the Sabres... Unless (GM) Kevyn Adams wakes up and says, 'alright, we're gonna give you this deal, 8 (yrs) by $11 (million), or something like that, this is gonna take a little bit of time.”
The number Pagnotta suggested could make sense. Connor signed for 8x12 in Winnipeg. Similarly, William Nylander got 8x11.5 from the Toronto Maple Leafs a couple of seasons ago. Those are comps Tuch’s camp could be looking at for his next deal.
Also, Pagnotta issued a grim warning that Sabres’ fans may have to come to terms with:
“If this team doesn't have him signed by the halfway point of the season and we already know that we're focusing on '26-'27 for them... then I think you start to have (trade) discussions (with other teams) out there, and I imagine the Oilers would be one of them.”
While there’s no credible reason to link Tuch to the Oilers as of now, you would have to think that just about every contending team in the NHL would kick the tires on Tuch.
While trading Tuch may not be overly complicated, the issue lies in what the Sabres could fetch in return. If the Tuch situation heads down that path. Kevyn Adams cannot afford to both a potential deal, much like he did with Dylan Cozens.