Buffalo Sabres star forward Alex Tuch is a key player to keep an eye on this season. As he approaches unrestricted free agency (UFA), many are wondering about his future with the Sabres.
The team is eager to secure Tuch with a contract extension, which is understandable given his significant impact on the ice. As a top-six power forward, he poses a major scoring threat, making him difficult to replace if he departs.
That said, if the Sabres fail to lock him in before the deadline and remain outside playoff contention, they might have no choice but to trade Tuch.
The Fourth Period reports that four teams—Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, and Los Angeles Kings—are likely to pursue him this season if Buffalo decides to move him.
All four teams are strong contenders, so acquiring a proven top-six winger like Tuch ahead of the deadline makes perfect sense. While playing time can be competitive, Tuch’s skill level ensures he would be valuable to any playoff-bound NHL club.
So far this season, Tuch has played 32 games for the Sabres, tallying 11 goals, 18 assists, 29 points, and holding a plus-3 rating.
Fan Take: This situation is crucial for hockey fans because Tuch’s next move could shake up the playoff race and impact team dynamics across the league. Whether he stays in Buffalo or gets traded, his presence will continue to influence the NHL landscape significantly.

