Alex Tuch Stalls Contract Extension Talks with Sabres

Contract extension discussions between the Buffalo Sabres and forward Alex Tuch have hit a standstill. His agent, Brian Bartlett, confirmed this development, stating that negotiations have been temporarily paused.
Current Status of Contract Talks
Bartlett indicated to Daily Faceoff that the two sides could not reach an agreement before the new season began. As a result, they have decided to put the discussions “on the back burner.”
Potential Free Agency
Tuch, age 29, is on track to become a coveted free agent if he hits the market on July 1. Given the Sabres’ current 1-3 record, Tuch may become a key asset if they opt to trade players ahead of the deadline.
Performance Highlights
- Last season, Tuch matched his career-high with 36 goals.
- He also recorded 31 assists, demonstrating his offensive capabilities.
- Tuch has played 82 games in the previous season, showcasing his reliability.
Background and Career
Tuch is originally from Syracuse, New York, and is in his fifth season with the Sabres. Previously, he was traded from the Vegas Golden Knights in a deal that involved former captain Jack Eichel moving to Vegas.
His career includes 540 games across stints with the Minnesota Wild, Golden Knights, and Sabres. He has accumulated a total of 168 goals and 217 assists, amounting to 385 career points.
Future Prospects
Both parties had maintained steady communication during the previous off-season. Bartlett noted that the Sabres expressed a clear interest in a long-term commitment with Tuch. He mentioned that general manager Kevyn Adams effectively communicated the team’s desire for Tuch to re-sign, while Tuch also indicated his willingness to stay in Buffalo.