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Sabres Likely to Keep Alex Tuch at Trade Deadline
Buffalo's top scorer expected to remain with team as they push for playoffs
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The Buffalo Sabres are not expected to trade away their top scorer, Alex Tuch, at the upcoming NHL trade deadline. According to insider reports, the Sabres are focused on making a playoff push this season and are likely to keep Tuch, whether or not they can agree to a contract extension with the 10-year veteran.
Why it matters
The Sabres have not made the playoffs since the 2010-11 season, the longest active drought in the NHL. Keeping Tuch, who is having a career year, would be a boost to their chances of ending that streak and returning to the postseason for the first time in over a decade.
The details
Tuch, who was acquired by the Sabres at the start of the 2021-22 season, has 22 goals and 26 assists so far this year, the second-highest total on the team behind Tage Thompson. With 25 games left in the regular season, the Sabres are currently holding the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, five points ahead of the Washington Capitals for the final playoff position.
- The NHL trade deadline is set for March 3, 2026.
The players
Alex Tuch
A 10-year NHL veteran currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres, where he is the team's second-leading scorer this season.
Tage Thompson
The leading scorer for the Buffalo Sabres this season with more points than teammate Alex Tuch.
Washington Capitals
The NHL team currently on the outside of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, five points behind the Buffalo Sabres for the final wild card spot.
What they’re saying
“Buffalo is not a seller, they're going for it. The betting on Tuch is he's staying in Buffalo next week, whether there's an extension or not.”
— Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider (32 Thoughts Podcast)
What’s next
The Sabres will face the defending champion Florida Panthers in their next game on February 28, 2026 as they continue their push for the playoffs.
The takeaway
The Sabres' decision to keep Alex Tuch at the trade deadline signals their commitment to ending the franchise's lengthy playoff drought this season, even if they are unable to agree to a contract extension with the talented forward.
