Buffalo’s next major summer phone call is being watched by Alex Tuch and Lindy Ruff.
The rumor angle is becoming louder now. According to Chad DeDominicis, all indications are that Tuch will play for a new club next season, with a sign-and-trade appearing to be increasingly likely.
This is not a fringe winger on the verge of the roster, therefore it lands. In 79 games with the Sabres, Tuch recorded 33 goals and 66 points.
All year, he was one of Buffalo’s most accomplished forwards. According to NHL.com, he also completed with a plus-24, which indicates that this was not merely offense amassed on a poor season.
The contract clock gives the rumor real traction. PuckPedia has Tuch as a 2026 unrestricted free agent after his 7-year deal with a 4.75 million cap hit expires at the end of the 2025–26 campaign.
Buffalo is in a difficult position as a result. According to Sportsnet and the Daily Faceoff, discussions remain stalled, giving the notion of a transfer before he leaves for nothing significant momentum.
” From me, the last fast post of the evening. All indications, of course, point to Alex Tuch playing for a different team next year, which is not surprising.
We look to be going that way after I mentioned a week or so ago that a sign-and-trade was an option. ”
One of the NHL’s top goal scorers seems to be headed for a significant offseason move.
The part that alters the plot is this one. If the Sabres think Tuch is going to the market regardless, then a sign-and-trade begins to seem more like asset management and less like panic.
Since Tuch is effective, it would be a huge decision. He’s 30, plays with size, and has established himself as one of Buffalo’s most dependable two-way players since coming from Vegas in the Jack Eichel deal.
“…all indications point to Alex Tuch joining a new club next year.
We appear to be going in that way because I noted a week or so ago that a sign-and-trade was an option.
Precisely why another club would want this is due to his profile. Here, a rival wouldn’t be purchasing a project. Coming off one of the strongest seasons on Buffalo’s roster, it would be purchasing a proven top-six winger.
That’s another reason why this hurts the Sabres more. Despite the fact that Buffalo ultimately received the kind of season from Tuch that should make it simple to retain him, outside reports continue to indicate a significant gap between the two sides.
Ruff’s squad had Rasmus Dahlin at 74 points and Tage Thompson at 40 goals, so there is still plenty of offense. However, removing Tuch from that group would create a significant vacuum on the wing and in the room.
This is why this rumor persists. Buffalo shouldn’t take the next few days lightly since Alex Tuch is too good, too established, and too close to the open market.
The sign-and-trade whispers will become louder if the difference persists, and the Sabres may need to act quickly to decide whether to extend a key winger or cash him in before someone else does.
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