BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Alex Tuch is heading to Washington as the Capitals jumped the line for the top free agent available, and the Buffalo Sabres got something in return for a player they knew was not coming back.

The Capitals got Tuch in a sign-and-trade Wednesday, getting him after the Sabres inked him to an eight-year $84 million contract and dealt him for a 2027 third-round pick and the rights to pending free agent forward David Kampf. Tuch will count $10.5 million against the salary cap through the 2033-34 NHL season.

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