The 2026 Winter Olympics have wrapped up, and the Buffalo Sabres are gearing up to hit the ice once more. As the NHL trade deadline looms, the league is buzzing with potential moves, and all eyes are on the Sabres, especially with the situation surrounding star forward Alex Tuch.
Tuch, a pending unrestricted free agent, has become the center of trade speculation. But here's the deal: with the Sabres sitting in a playoff position, trading away such a key player would be a risky move. Tuch isn't just any player; he's a cornerstone of their top six, bringing both offensive firepower and leadership to the table.
The Sabres are on the cusp of breaking a 14-year playoff drought, and Tuch is integral to that push. Letting him go could derail their momentum. Instead, the focus should be on securing his future with the team through a contract extension.
In his 56 games this season, Tuch has notched 22 goals and 26 assists, tallying up 48 points with a plus-14 rating. These numbers underscore his value on the ice, making it clear why the Sabres should prioritize keeping him in Buffalo.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Sabres have a golden opportunity to solidify their roster by locking down Tuch with a new deal. Doing so would send a strong message to the league: the Sabres are serious contenders, ready to make waves in the postseason.