Mandatory Credit: Blake Dahlin-Imagn Images

One of the bigger names who could be moved at the NHL trade deadline this year is veteran Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres. Tuch is currently on the final year of his contract, and while the two sides have tried to come to an agreement on an extension, talks have been put on hold of late.

*PREDICTION*

This has sparked all sorts of trade rumors to fly around, and we could see Buffalo look to move Tuch. Buffalo can’t afford to lose the star for nothing in free agency next summer, so moving him now would be smart asset management.

Tuch is only making $4.75 million for the season, making him on a value deal that could help facilitate a potential trade. The veteran is expected to have that number doubled next offseason, so any team trading for him may want to consider that fact.

Like any team, the Sabres are likely concerned about giving him a new contract at a higher price, especially since he is going to be 30 years old when the next deal begins. There is always risk in giving a large deal to a more veteran player, but Tuch has proven himself over the years.

If the Sabres aren’t going to pay him, the team may be better off trading him to avoid losing him. Buffalo has some tough choices to make, but if the year continues to go south, things could be easier for the front office.

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Alex Tuch Traded Back to Minnesota Wild

If the Sabres do end up making Tuch available on the trade front, a reunion with the Minnesota Wild could make a lot of sense. Minnesota needs another impactful scoring option in the top six, and Tuch could provide this for them going forward.

Tuch wasn’t with the Wild very long before they traded him to the Vegas Golden Knights, so this could be the franchise’s way of righting the ship. The veteran has proved himself over the years, and he could be a solid addition to the Wild as they compete for the postseason.

Minnesota needs to add more power to the scoring attack this year, and Tuch is someone who is very good at putting the puck into the net. The veteran has scored 36 goals in each of the past three seasons for the Sabres, and his presence would give this unit a major boost.

Last year with Buffalo, Tuch posted 36 goals and had 31 assists over 82 games played during the regular season. His consistency has been impressive, and is a big reason why his market could be very strong this year.

Minnesota has to do something to make sure that it can keep up with the scoring prowess of the other Western Conference teams, and this could be a way to help. The Wild can’t afford to waste another season, and Tuch could be a nice veteran addition to the quest for a Stanley Cup title.