As the Buffalo Sabres gear up for the upcoming season, which includes the Prospect Challenge and the opening of training camp next week, contract extension talks with power forward Alex Tuch have reportedly hit a snag. While the organization has expressed a strong desire to secure Tuch long-term, recent reports indicate that the two sides are not close to an agreement.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, "nothing is close right now" in the negotiations between Tuch and the Sabres. This news comes as a surprise after earlier reports suggested that a deal was potentially nearing completion. Chris DeDominicis, a journalist, had even noted that the deal could be finalized soon. However, it was later suggested that negotiations might be strategically delayed until training camp, when all parties are present in Buffalo.
The current impasse could stem from a few factors. One possibility is that the Sabres and Tuch have not yet engaged in serious discussions, perhaps waiting for training camp to begin formal negotiations. Another, more concerning scenario is that the two sides have already exchanged proposals but remain far apart on key terms, such as the contract's length and overall compensation.
Tuch, who was acquired by the Sabres as part of the trade that sent Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights, has become a key player in Buffalo. In the past four seasons, he has emerged as the team's second-best forward, trailing only Tage Thompson. He has recorded multiple seasons with over 35 goals and has consistently tallied at least 30 assists in each of the last three seasons. Tuch's current contract, which carries a cap hit of $4.75 million per season, expires at the end of the 2025-26 season, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Securing Tuch to a long-term deal would send a strong message that the Sabres are committed to winning and retaining their top talent. Over the past decade, the team has struggled to maintain a competitive roster, often trading away developed players before they reach free agency. Extending Tuch's contract would help change the perception around the NHL and demonstrate that the Sabres are serious about building a winning team.
However, the Sabres have no leverage other than an emotional appeal, given that Tuch grew up in Western New York as a Sabres fan. If the Sabres do not offer Tuch the contract he is looking for, another team likely will.
There is also a possibility that Tuch may prefer to wait before signing an extension. Having been a key part of the Eichel trade, he may be frustrated with the team's lack of success since then, especially with Vegas having won a Stanley Cup. He may be hesitant to commit to a long-term contract in Buffalo if he is not confident in the team's ability to compete for a championship. If the Sabres have a slow start to the season, Tuch might request a trade to a contender during the final year of his contract.
The Sabres have ample salary cap space to accommodate Tuch's next contract. If the team fails to make the playoffs in 2025-26, Tuch might not want to remain part of the Sabres' long-term plans.
