In a recent Sportsnet article, Ryan Dixon made some bold predictions for hockey in the coming year, focusing notably on the Buffalo Sabres. Dixon forecasted that the Sabres will secure an eight-year contract extension for pending unrestricted free agent forward Alex Tuch by the 2026 NHL trade deadline. Additionally, he predicted that Buffalo would trade their 2021 No. 1 overall draft pick, Owen Power, at that same deadline.
It’s widely known that the Sabres’ new general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen, is eager to extend Tuch’s contract, which makes sense given Tuch’s vital role as a top-six forward and his significance to the team. Securing him with an eight-year deal would certainly be a major move for the franchise. Although Tuch has been linked to trade rumors throughout the season, interest from other teams is likely to rise as the deadline nears, making it intriguing to see whether Dixon’s extension prediction comes true.
Dixon’s call to trade Power is even more surprising. The 6-foot-6 defenseman occasionally appears in trade speculation, but an actual deal would be startling given his potential. If Buffalo does trade Power, they will undoubtedly want a star player in return to bolster their bid to end a 14-year playoff drought. At just 23 years old, Power still has room to grow and is under contract through the 2030-31 season with a bonus of $8.35 million, though he lacks trade protection until the 2029-30 season.
This season, Power has taken part in 36 games, contributing three goals, seven assists, and a total of 10 points. Last season, he set personal bests with seven goals, 33 assists, and 40 points over 79 games.
Fan Take: This news is significant for hockey fans as it highlights critical decisions the Sabres face that could reshape their future. Extending Tuch could secure a crucial part of their core, but trading a young talent like Power signals a bold strategy that might either jumpstart their playoff hopes or risk their long-term potential.
