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The newest round of Buffalo Sabres rumors indicate that contract extension talks involving Alex Tuch will go down to the wire this season.
The ongoing saga of Buffalo Sabres rumors involving Alex Tuch has been a storyline all season. Up until the team’s resurrection earlier this season, the talk had been that Tuch was a prime trade candidate.
Since the Sabres’ resurgence, that chatter has no longer been the case. The talk has shifted towards the club re-signing the impending UFA. However, inking Tuch to a new contract may not be quite so easy.
According to insider David Pagnotta, the latest round of Sabres rumors suggests the two sides have been in constant communication. Unfortunately, the talk hasn’t led anywhere. Both parties remain apart despite the willingness to get a deal across the line.
But as Pagnotta noted, getting a contract extension in place before the NHL trade deadline could go down to the wire.
“Nothing is stopping the Sabres and Tuch from ironing out an extension before the trade deadline, but the closer the two sides go without a new deal, the more other teams will try to pry him away.”
As such, other teams are keeping tabs on Tuch. That’s the main reason why Sabres rumors involving Alex Tuch will not go away until a deal gets through.
Tuch Could Be Biggest Free Agent in this Year’s Market
Numerous big-ticket players signed extensions this year. Had they not, the 2026 NHL free agent market would have seen a flood of major stars. However, that will not be the case. That’s something that could certainly benefit Tuch.
If Sabres rumors involving an extension do not come to fruition, Tuch would be poised to hit the free agent market. Given the lack of high-end talent, Tuch could be the biggest name. That situation could also lead to a major payday.
Teams with voids in their top six could be looking to add the 29-year-old. His 22 goals in 56 games this season are something plenty of contending clubs would love to add.
The biggest catch will be just how much clubs could afford to pay. With contenders largely against the cap, dishing out a massive payday to Tuch would be challenging, to say the least.
Sabres Rumors Won’t Go Away Until There’s a Deal
In the meantime, Sabres rumors involving Tuch won’t go away until there’s a deal. Earlier this season, the chatter posited that Tuch wanted a deal north of $10 million per season. That’s not something Buffalo couldn’t do. But it might not be the most cost-effective move for the club.
Meanwhile, contending teams around the league would struggle to sign such a deal. Plus, there’s the issue of term. Tuch is coming off a seven-year deal. It’s hard to envisage teams out there giving Tuch another contract that long.
But there might be a way that Sabres rumors could sway towards an extension. If the Sabres were willing to give Tuch another deal that long, the AAV could come down. That situation could make it feasible for the star forward to remain in Buffalo for the foreseeable future.
It remains unclear if an extension could work out before the trade deadline. Otherwise, the situation may come to a head before the 2026 NHL Draft.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst and baseball writer focused on covering clubs across each league with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. Nestor’s fondness for baseball and hockey set the tone for his love and passion for writing about sports. More about Nestor Quixtan
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