Tuch Adds Punch To Capitals Offense

While Alex Tuch was already famous in Washington Capitals lore, now he will be a big part of the team’s transition when Alex Ovechkin finally heads back to Russia.

Tuch is famous for being the victim of “The Save,” Braden Holtby’s paddle save on the then-Vegas Golden Knights forward in Game 2 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final, saving a sure goal and ending up being a pivotal moment in Washington’s first-ever title.

Now, after over eight years later, the now-veteran who turned 30 last month was acquired in a sign-and-trade with the Buffalo Sabres, inking an eight-year deal worth $10.5 million per season.

Of course, there are a couple of reasons for the sign-and-trade, as the new rules of the CBA take effect, shortening the possible contracts an unrestricted free agent to six years, so instead of getting $84 million in a six-year deal, Washington can spread out the hit over an additional two years, as the salary cap should continue to rise.

After a very passive 12 months, Washington General Manager Chris Patrick has added two 30-goal scorers in Jordan Kyrou and Tuch to the lineup to bolster a glaring need in the lineup that likely cost the Capitals a playoff spot last season.

“Alex was a highly coveted player, and we are pleased that he chose to come to Washington,” Patrick said in a statement. “Alex is a top-six offensive forward who brings size, versatility, and the ability to contribute in all situations. He consistently gets to the net, competes at a high level, plays a strong 200-foot game, and has proven year after year to be a highly effective goal scorer and productive offensive player.

“Beyond what he brings on the ice, his leadership, work ethic, and commitment to playing the right way make him an invaluable addition to our group. We believe he will have a significant impact both on and off the ice and will be an excellent fit within our forward corps.”

Tuch has three 30-goal seasons in the last four seasons in Buffalo with an increased role, as the Syracuse native thrived after being part of the Jack Eichel trade with Vegas in 2021. He also served as the team’s assistant captain and ended up scoring 139 of his 200 career goals as a Sabre.

Tuch, like Kyrou, will also help on Washington’s power play, as he was third on the Buffalo extra-man unit with seven goals, better than all but two Capitals last season.

Despite adding over $20 million in salary the last few days, Washington still has more money to spend this summer, with Cap Wages showing $15.49 million remaining after adding the Tuch deal.

The moves also work two-fold for the Capitals.

In the short-term, they are the long-promised improvements to the team’s forwards, adding not just one but two Top 6 forwards, and this will be key to encouraging captain Alex Ovechkin to come back for at least one more season. While the team’s star was likely to return anyway, it seems that it would be difficult to pass up a team with a legitimate chance to make a playoff run in a weaker Eastern Conference.

In the long run, Washington acquired two forwards who are under contract for five and eight years, and numbers that will improve as the salary cap increases.

And, on the ice, in two days, Patrick turned Connor McMichael, David Kampf, prospect Milton Gastron, the team’s first-rounder in this year’s draft, and a third-rounder for next year they acquired from San Jose, into a pair of 30-goal scorers who in a couple of years, will count a sixth against the team’s cap.

The Capitals may not be done yet with their cap space and need a defenseman, and can also accrue more space by dealing contracts and still have most of their prospect pool intact. They have four picks for this year’s draft as well, including Anaheim’s first-rounder acquired in the John Carlson deal.

Certainly, after a very passive season for Patrick, he ended up snagging one of the top unrestricted free agents without getting into a bidding war, and another for a relatively low cost in assets, thanks to Kyrou waiving his no-trade clause.