Tuch will begin to mull over future — The Fourth Period
Now that his season has come to an end, Buffalo Sabres right wing Alex Tuch will sit down his with family to discuss their future, whether that ends up being with the Sabres or not.
Tuch, 30, is in the final year of a seven-year, $33.25 million contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
The Sabres’ season ended on Monday after losing to the Montreal Canadiens in seven games in the second-round of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Buffalo and Tuch’s camp have had an open line of communication all season and planned on tabling talks while the playoffs got going. Tuch told reporters on Wednesday that he plans on taking some time talking to his family and the team before making any decisions.
“I don’t have a timeline right now. I don’t really have anything for you, I’m sorry,” he said. “I’ve just been so focused on hockey and the playoffs. I’m sure once we are finished here today, we’ll start having those conversations with my agent, my wife, my family, and with the Sabres.”
Tuch is believed to be asking for between $10.5 million and $11 million per season on a long-term deal, something many across the NHL believe he can receive via free agency in July.
In 79 games with the Sabres during the regular-season, Tuch registered 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points, along with 57 penalty minutes. He collected seven points in six games in the first-round of the playoffs, but was held pointless in all seven games in the second-round.
The Sabres are hoping to get him locked up and Tuch has expressed interest in staying, even though he would become the top prize of his free agent class.
