Sabres Bet Big on Alex Tuch for Playoff Run

Tuch's contract status looms over Buffalo's postseason push after trade deadline decision.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:27pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in mid-action, their form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of blue, white, and gold, conveying the dynamic energy and uncertainty of the Sabres' playoff push with Tuch.The Sabres' high-stakes gamble on keeping Alex Tuch for the playoffs could pay off - or leave them empty-handed in the offseason.Syracuse Today

The Buffalo Sabres made the surprising decision to keep star forward Alex Tuch at the trade deadline, despite Tuch being in the final year of his contract. Now, the Sabres are hoping Tuch can help lead them on a deep playoff run, but his future in Buffalo remains uncertain as he prepares to hit free agency in the offseason.

Why it matters

The Sabres' decision to hold onto Tuch was a risky one, as they could have traded him for future assets at the deadline if they weren't confident in their playoff chances. However, the team clearly believes in their ability to make a run this year and wants Tuch to be a key part of that. Tuch's contract status will be a major storyline as the Sabres navigate the playoffs.

The details

Tuch is in the final year of his current contract, and was seen as a prime trade candidate ahead of the March deadline. However, the Sabres opted to keep Tuch, betting that his talent and production could help power them to a deep playoff run. Now, Tuch will have the opportunity to prove the Sabres right, but his future in Buffalo remains uncertain as he prepares to hit the open market in the offseason.

  • The Sabres made the decision to keep Tuch at the NHL trade deadline in March 2026.
  • Tuch's current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 NHL season.

The players

Alex Tuch

A talented forward for the Buffalo Sabres who is in the final year of his current contract.

Buffalo Sabres

The NHL team that decided to keep Tuch at the trade deadline despite his impending free agency.

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What they’re saying

“These Sabres didn't just want to make the playoffs but wanted to actually win the Stanley Cup.”

— Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres Forward

What’s next

The Sabres will look to make a deep playoff run with Tuch leading the way, but his future with the team remains uncertain as he prepares to hit free agency in the offseason.

The takeaway

The Sabres made a bold bet by keeping Tuch at the trade deadline, betting that his talent could help power them to a Stanley Cup. However, Tuch's impending free agency means the team's long-term future with the star forward remains unclear, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Buffalo's playoff push.