Kevyn Adams is also devoting a great deal of energy on free agent possibilities and a rather brisk trade market. The names that have been the most frequently mentioned since the end of the season have been restricted free agent winger JJ Peterka and defenseman Bowen Byram, but another player who could be on the move may be veteran forward Alex Tuch.
According to James Mirtle of the Athletic, Tuch could be dealt with a year left on his contract if he and the Sabres cannot come to an agreement on an extension. Just a few days ago, I wrote an article about the Sabres possibly giving Alex Tuch an extension, with just a year left on his contract. Now he is the next Sabre on the trade block.
Tuch is coming off a career high 36 goal season, and has consistently put up 60-70 points per season as a member of the Sabres. With a salary cap hit of just 4.75 million per year, Tuch could be a valuable piece to a contender moving forward.
Tuch is more valuable on the Sabres
Tuch’s a solid scorer and a good playmaker, but his game exceeds expectations with his play on both sides of the puck. Through 82 games, Tuch ended the season with 36 goals and 67 points. Tuch led the team in plus-minus with a +16 rating, and he led the Sabres with 49 takeaways on the season.
Not to mention that he also led the league in short-handed goals with six. His play on the ice never hit the elite level, but he has the caliber to be an all-star in this league. The Sabres have been a poor team defensively over the last few seasons and having one of the best two way forwards in the game is helping to turn that around.
If the Sabres trade Tuch I think it would be a huge mistake as he has been a massive part of why their offense is tops in league, and why their defence isn’t the worst in the league. Tuch has given the Sabres his best efforts over the last few years, and seeing him ride out this contract or signing him to an extension is what's best for the Sabres.