NHL Trade Deadline Buzz: Sabres Bet on Tuch, Canadiens Pivot, Leafs Still in the Mix for Hamilton
With the NHL trade deadline creeping closer, the rumor mill is heating up-and a few Eastern Conference teams are making some bold moves, or at least preparing to. From Buffalo’s high-stakes gamble on Alex Tuch, to Montreal recalibrating after a dream scenario falls apart, and Toronto still keeping tabs on a top-tier blue liner, there’s plenty to unpack.
Sabres Go All-In on Alex Tuch-Even Without a Deal in Place
The Buffalo Sabres are making a statement: they're not ready to fold, even if the stakes are high. Despite contract negotiations with forward Alex Tuch stalling-he’s reportedly eyeing a deal north of the $10.625 million AAV that Adrian Kempe landed in L.A.-Buffalo isn’t moving him at the deadline.
That’s a gutsy call. Tuch is set to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, and the two sides remain far apart on term and dollars. But with the Sabres clawing their way back into the playoff picture under new GM Jarmo Kekalainen, the front office is opting to treat Tuch as a “self-rental”-a player too valuable to move, even if it means risking a walkaway in July.
It’s not hard to see why. Tuch has been a key driver in Buffalo’s resurgence, and trading him now would likely undercut the very momentum they’ve been building.
The Sabres haven’t seen playoff hockey in over a decade. Holding onto Tuch is a bet on breaking that drought-and maybe even rewarding a long-suffering fanbase in the process.
As Elliotte Friedman put it: sometimes, you’ve got to think about the now.
Canadiens Pivot as Crosby Pipe Dream Ends-Kadri Now in Sight
For a while, there was a quiet buzz that maybe-just maybe-the Montreal Canadiens could make a play for Sidney Crosby if the Penguins faltered. But with Pittsburgh holding onto a playoff spot, that ship has officially sailed.
So, Montreal is shifting gears. According to league sources, Nazem Kadri has emerged as a legitimate Plan B. The veteran center still has three years left on his deal after this season, and while there are questions about the long-term value of that contract, he’s not on Montreal’s no-trade list-and he’s reportedly open to the idea.
It’s a fascinating pivot. The Canadiens already added Phillip Danault earlier this season, giving them a solid two-way presence down the middle.
Adding Kadri would deepen their center depth even further and give them another proven playoff performer. The question is whether Montreal is willing to part with the kind of assets it would take to land him.
If they’re serious about making a playoff push, Kadri could be the piece that elevates them from scrappy underdog to legitimate threat. But it’s a move that would come with both upside and risk.
Leafs Still in the Hunt for Dougie Hamilton-Cap Gymnastics Required
Don’t count the Toronto Maple Leafs out of the Dougie Hamilton sweepstakes just yet. While chatter around the Devils defenseman has cooled a bit, at least one insider believes Toronto is still very much in the mix-especially if New Jersey is willing to deal from a position of weakness.
Hamilton, now 32, is still a high-end puck mover when healthy and can quarterback a power play with the best of them. He’s on the books through 2027-28 at a $9 million AAV, which makes any deal complicated-but not impossible.
Toronto’s front office has reportedly explored multiple ways to make the math work. Names like Brandon Carlo, Calle Jarnkrok, and Bobby McMann have surfaced as potential trade chips, and there’s even been some speculation that Morgan Rielly could be in play. If the Leafs are serious about reshaping their blue line, Hamilton would be a splashy and strategic addition.
It won’t be easy. But with the Atlantic Division tightening and Toronto looking for that extra edge on the back end, this is a move that still has legs.
Bottom Line:
The Sabres are betting on belief.
The Canadiens are pivoting with purpose. And the Maple Leafs are lurking, ready to pounce if the right deal opens up.
With the deadline approaching, the Eastern Conference could be in for a major shakeup-and these three teams are right at the center of it.