Coming off a decisive 6-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks, things could not be going better for the Buffalo Sabres. In the midst of one of the best seasons in franchise history, fans are not only thinking about the playoffs for the first time in 14 seasons, but about making a run to the Stanley Cup as well.
Still looming in the background, unfortunately, is the Alex Tuch contract situation. The veteran winger is set to be an unrestricted free agent in the summer, leaving the team and fan base in a tough spot.
The Alex Tuch Situation is Tricky
Going into the NHL trade deadline, the overwhelming consensus was that the Sabres would hold Tuch and focus on the playoffs rather than trading him even with no contract extension in place. It is very clear that this was the mindset of General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, and Tuch remains an integral part of this team.
That said, it puts management in a touch situation. Tuch walking away in the summer is going to be seen in a very negative light unless the Sabres win the Stanley Cup. Even if some other team overpays by quite a bit, the fan base is going to see it as a “one step forward, two steps back” development.
The goal should always be to re-sign Tuch because of what he’s been for this franchise and city. If it means a slight overpay – $11 million per season for five seasons – then so be it. That said, the views of management versus the outside world can differ exponentially.
Robert Thomas Should Still be on the Table
The contingency plan almost came to be at the trade deadline in what would have easily been the biggest move of the deadline. The St. Louis Blues clearly do not see center Robert Thomas as part of their long-term plans given how close the deal came to getting done.
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The rumor was that the Sabres had included their 2026 first-round pick, and up to three high-end prospects. The snag came when the Blues asked for Josh Norris in return and Kekalainen balked.
While Norris may have been the deal-breaker, it indicates just how close things were to getting done. With more flexibility in the summer, it is oftentimes easier to get a deal of this magnitude done. If the Sabres are interested in solidifying the center spot – freeing up Tage Thompson to move to wing if necessary – then Thomas is the play.
The Sabres Can Get it Across the Finish Line
Regardless of how things go in the playoffs, the Sabres still have the assets to make a deal happen. Their 2027 first-round pick should be in play, as should high-end prospects like Konsta Helenius and Radim Mrtka. Combined with B-level prospects like Ryan Johnson and Anton Wahlberg, the pieces are there.
Roster moves would need to be made and a player already on the roster would likely need to go back. Can Jack Quinn ($3.375 million AAV, 43 points in 65 games) be enough when added in with a package of picks and prospects?
The x-factor here could be Jiri Kulich’s health. He is done for the 2025-26 season, but if he can come back for the start of next season, it would open opportunities up for the Sabres. Could Norris become available if the Sabres know they have a healthy Kulich back to be the 2C/3C? It would at least require more thought from Kekalainen.
Keeping Tuch Should be Priority
Above all else, keeping Tuch should be the priority. He has been a pillar for this franchise through its ugliest times and rewarding him with a new contract should be the goal. That said, the Sabres are just getting back to the playoffs after 14 seasons and major missteps in terms of roster management could set them back again.
