Buffalo Sabres
Alex Tuch can become an unrestricted free agent July 1, which might make the 29-year-old forward a leading candidate to be moved before the Deadline. But he’s not thinking about whether he’ll be traded with the Sabres (32-19-6) holding the first wild card in the Eastern Conference and trying to secure their first playoff berth since 2011.
“I haven’t focused on that,” Tuch told the Buffalo News on Friday. “Honestly, like I said, I’m just focused on playing the next game. I’m focused on being a Buffalo Sabre and doing whatever I can to help our team win.”
Tuch signed a seven-year, $33.25 million contract ($4.75 million AAV) with the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 19, 2018. He was traded to Buffalo in the deal that sent Jack Eichel to Vegas on Nov. 4, 2021.
The Sabres have been in discussions with Tuch about a long-term contract since before Jarmo Kekalainen replaced Kevyn Adams as general manager Dec. 15 but have yet to reach an agreement with the Deadline looming.
Tuch is second on Buffalo in goals (22) and points (48) in 56 games, behind Tage Thompson (30 goals, 59 points).
The Sabres visit the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday.
