Sabres' Alex Tuch Poised for Big Contract Extension After Playoff Run

Buffalo will have to decide whether to pay up to keep their star winger beyond this season.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:07am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a hockey player in mid-motion, their body and equipment broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, conceptually representing the complex contract negotiations ahead for the player and team.Tuch's contract negotiations with the Sabres could hinge on his playoff performance, as the team weighs the risks and rewards of a long-term deal for their star winger.Buffalo Today

Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and his performance in the upcoming playoffs could significantly impact the contract extension he receives from the team. Tuch has been a key part of the Sabres' push for the playoffs, but his next deal could be complicated by comparisons to other recent power forward contracts around the league.

Why it matters

The Sabres will have a difficult decision to make on Tuch's next contract, as they must weigh his value to the team against the risk of signing a power forward to a long-term, high-dollar deal. A strong playoff showing could make Tuch seem 'indispensable' to the Sabres, complicating their contract negotiations.

The details

Tuch's current contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and he was the subject of trade rumors before the March deadline. However, the Sabres opted to keep him as they push for a playoff spot. Once the season ends, the team will have the opportunity to offer Tuch an extension. Comparisons have been made to Nick Schmaltz's recent 8-year, $8 million per year ($64 million total) contract with the Utah Mammoth, but Tuch could potentially command even more on the open market.

  • The Sabres' playoff fate and Tuch's performance in the postseason will be a key factor in his next contract.
  • Tuch's current contract expires at the end of the 2022-23 NHL season.

The players

Alex Tuch

A 26-year-old winger for the Buffalo Sabres who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Jarmo Kekalainen

The new general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, who will be tasked with deciding Tuch's next contract.

Nick Schmaltz

A center who recently signed an 8-year, $8 million per year ($64 million total) contract extension with the Utah Mammoth, which could serve as a comparable for Tuch's next deal.

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What they’re saying

“Buffalo will surely point to Nick Schmaltz's new eight-year, $8 million-AAV contract with the Utah Mammoth as a top comparable for Tuch, but he could probably command eight figures on the open market.”

— Mike Gould, Daily Faceoff Writer

What’s next

The Sabres and Tuch will need to negotiate a contract extension once the season ends, with Tuch's playoff performance likely playing a major role in the terms of the deal.

The takeaway

The Sabres face a difficult decision on Tuch's next contract, as they must balance his value to the team against the risk of overpaying a power forward long-term. Tuch's play in the playoffs could significantly impact the team's negotiating position, making this a high-stakes situation for both the player and the franchise.