Barring last minute change, Tuch to hit free agency — The Fourth Period
Contract talks between the Buffalo Sabres and pending unrestricted free agent forward Alex Tuch picked up again on Tuesday, but it appears the gap remains too wide and an extension is still far from fruition.
Tuch, 30, is in the final year of a seven-year, $33.25 million contract and is set to hit the open market July 1.
Earlier this evening, the Sabres sent defenceman Bowen Byram and winger Jordan Greenway to the Chicago Blackhawks in a trade involving the fourth-overall selection, prompting speculation that the Sabres could use the extra money for Tuch, but that is not the case.
According to sources close to negotiations, today’s talks have left things “status quo” between the two parties and as of now it is “very likely” that Tuch will test the waters next week.
Several teams are believed to have their sights set on Tuch if he hits the open market, including the Seattle Kraken, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks.
Tuch is expected to command around $10.5 million and $11 million per season on his next deal.
In 79 games with the Sabres this past season, Tuch registered 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points.
