As the Buffalo Sabres begin to navigate an extremely challenging offseason, it is time for management to focus on the future of the team’s most versatile forward. Winger Alex Tuch had a career-best season in 2024-25. He scored 36 goals, equalling the mark he set with the Sabres in 2022-23 and added 31 assists.
In addition, he finished tied for the league lead in short-handed goals with six. He shares that special-teams spot with Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers. As the Sabres look at avenues to make the team better, a frequent question is, which players want to come to or remain in Buffalo?
With the team missing the playoffs for a fourteenth straight season, the Sabres must seek out those who want to help the team return to respectability.
In Tuch, the club has a player who grew up in nearby Syracuse as a fan of the team. His current contract expires at the end of the 25-26 season. Tuch would be eligible for a contract extension as of July 1st. Tuch’s comments at locker clean-out day back in April left many wondering about what the future holds.
“I love it here in Buffalo,” said Tuch. “I’ve really enjoyed my time here, and I would like to win here in Buffalo. But I haven’t even really talked to.my wife about it ( his next contract), honestly, that’s the first person I’m going to have to talk to. We’ll see if they (the Sabres) say anything and we’ll go from there.”
The Sabres recognize how important Tuch is to the franchise.
“He’s typically a guy that leads our forwards in minutes, plays in every situation,” said general manager Kevyn Adams. “I thought he had a tremendous season, and he loves Buffalo and wants to be here. So he’s a priority. He’s a guy we hope to have for a long time.”
The Ssbres and their fan base have seen many of Buffalo’s best players leave the team through trades and free agency. The concern surrounding Tuch is understandable. However, there is some reason for optimism in terms of Tuch’s extension talks.
“There is zero indication out there that Tuch has either told the Sabres that he wants to be traded or he won’t sign an extension if one is offered to him.” NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman said on his 32 Thoughts podcast.
With this report coming to light, Sabres fans can breathe a bit easier this summer, as another push for a return to the playoffs begins in Buffalo.
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