The 2026 NHL trade deadline is less than three months away and the Buffalo Sabres still haven't worked out a contract extension with impending unrestricted free agent Alex Tuch, who could soon become one of the top players available on the trade market.
John Matisz of The Score named Tuch one of the league's most intriguing trade candidates and reported "two clubs come to mind immediately" as potential suitors: the Edmonton Oilers and Carolina Hurricanes.
"The Oilers are desperate for a top-six winger — especially one who shoots right and can skate and create alongside Connor McDavid," Matisz wrote. "Tuch showcased his utility Tuesday by scoring an overtime goal on the road against Edmonton."
On the Canes, Matisz added: "He would also fit in nicely on the Hurricanes with that aggressive defensive stick and finishing ability. Carolina, a franchise unafraid of making a big splash, has the cap space and assets to make the trade work for both sides."
It's possible NHL trade activity starts to pick up ahead of the league's holiday roster freeze, which runs from Dec. 20 through Dec. 27, though the Sabres will likely hold Tuch until closer to the deadline with hope an extension can be worked out.
Outcome of the Alex Tuch saga will paint a clear picture about the Buffalo Sabres' direction
The Sabres find themselves in a difficult situation. They don't want to wave the white flag on the season already because that would have a trickle-down effect on the organization.
First, general manager Kevyn Adams and head coach Lindy Ruff could be dismissed as team owner Terry Pegula finally decides it's time for a new vision.
Second, Tuch could become the first of several franchise cornerstones who decide it's time to seek a move out of Western New York with hope of finding similar career-altering success as Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart and countless others over the past few decades.
It'd also be a clear indicator about the sorry state of the Sabres if Tuch, a Syracuse native who grew up rooting for the Blue and Gold, isn't interested in staying to help turn things around.
So, Buffalo will likely do everything in its power to remain within striking distance of a playoff spot for as long as possible. It's proving difficult as the club owns last place in the Eastern Conference through 31 games (13-14-4 record.)
If the deadlines nears and Tuch remains without an extension — so far, there haven't been any positive updates about potential progress — Adams (or his replacement by that time) will have little choice beyond trading the 29-year-old forward to the highest bidder.
Tuch is putting together another strong campaign despite the team's lack of success. He's tallied 26 points (11 goals and 15 assists) in 30 appearances. Last season, the two-way contributor set a new NHL record for blocked shots by a forward (113) while also lighting the lamp 36 times.
In turn, the 2014 first-round pick would likely have no shortage of interested teams, especially if he signals a willingness to sign a new contract after any potential trade.
The Oilers jump-started their roster reconstruction Friday with a pair of trades to acquire goaltender Tristan Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin from the Pittsburgh Penguins as well as defenseman Spencer Stastney from the Nashville Predators.
Edmonton could still use a top-six forward, however, and Tuch certainly fits the bill.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are typically active ahead of the deadline as they look to finally translate their recent regular-season success into a Stanley Cup run.
Adding a player like Tuch, who'd bring some much-needed jam to Carolina's top few forward lines, could help bolster the lineup for playoff hockey.
The Oilers and Hurricanes would likely face plenty of competition for the Sabres star, however, which should help boost Buffalo's return if it ultimately has to move the winger.
Sabres fans will hope something changes between now and early March to prevent a trade from becoming a necessity, though.