Sabres Set to Be 'Genuine Buyers' at NHL Trade Deadline

Buffalo's playoff push means hometown favorite Alex Tuch likely staying put

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Buffalo Sabres, who have missed the NHL playoffs for 14 straight seasons, are poised to be 'genuine buyers' at the upcoming trade deadline, according to reports. This means the team is unlikely to trade away star forward Alex Tuch, who was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in the Jack Eichel trade and has become a fan favorite in Buffalo.

Why it matters

The Sabres' decision to be buyers rather than sellers at the trade deadline signals a shift in the team's strategy, as they aim to end their lengthy playoff drought and make a postseason push for the first time in over a decade. Keeping Tuch, who is having a strong season, is seen as crucial to those playoff aspirations.

The details

The Sabres currently sit in a playoff position and are not expected to sell off assets at the deadline. This means hometown hero Alex Tuch, who was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in the Jack Eichel trade, is likely to remain in Buffalo even though his contract is expiring at the end of the season. Tuch has 24 goals in 59 games this year and is closing in on his third 30-goal season in five years with the Sabres.

  • The NHL trade deadline is on Friday, March 3, 2026.
  • The Sabres will host the Vegas Golden Knights, Tuch's former team, on Tuesday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Alex Tuch

A 26-year-old forward for the Buffalo Sabres who was acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights in the Jack Eichel trade. Tuch is a Syracuse native and has become a fan favorite in Buffalo.

Jarmo Kekalainen

The general manager of the Buffalo Sabres who is pushing the team to make a playoff push this season, rather than sell off assets at the trade deadline.

Jack Eichel

The former No. 2 overall draft pick who was traded from the Sabres to the Vegas Golden Knights in 2021.

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What’s next

The Sabres will host the Vegas Golden Knights, Tuch's former team, on Tuesday, February 28, 2026 as they continue their push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Sabres' decision to be 'genuine buyers' at the trade deadline signals a shift in the team's strategy, as they aim to end their 14-year playoff drought and make a postseason push. Keeping star forward Alex Tuch, who has become a fan favorite in Buffalo, is seen as crucial to those playoff aspirations.