‘I don’t know the future’: Sabres’ Alex Tuch addresses pending contract negotiations

A pending unrestricted free agent is discussing his potential future in Western New York.

When speaking to the media at the team’s end-of-season availability, Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch was asked about whether he would be back next season. The Syracuse native left a lot up in the air, not making any notable commitment to returning next year. He mentioned that he enjoyed playing in Buffalo but that he would need to discuss his future with his family.

“I’m going to do whatever is best for myself and my family,” Tuch said. “I don’t know how the talks are going to go, and I don’t know the future.”

The 30-year-old noted that he had already had his exit meeting with Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen, and that there will be chats between him and Tuch’s team.

“[Kekäläinen] expressed his desire to have me back. He’ll be in touch with my agent…The next month or so, I have to make some decisions here.”

Tuch was part of the return in the Jack Eichel trade involving the Vegas Golden Knights back in November 2021. He has been a key contributor on the team ever since. Along with some fans’ interest in bringing Tuch back for the future, forward Tage Thompson spoke on Monday night after the Game 7 loss to the Montreal Canadiens that he would love to have Tuch back on the Sabres next season.

Tuch is at the end of his seven-year contract extension, which he signed with the Golden Knights in October 2018. According to PuckPedia, the Sabres have 35 of 50 NHL contracts signed for next season, with an estimated cap space of $12.9 million.

During the regular season, Tuch scored 33 goals and 66 points in 79 games, marking the third time in the past four years he has reached the 30-goal mark. Not only did he help the Sabres reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 15 years, but he also posted four goals and seven points in the opening round against the Boston Bruins, driving his team to its first series win since 2007.

Yet, Tuch had some critics during the second round against the Canadiens, not registering a point in the seven-game series. That said, it’s hard to ignore the impact Tuch has had on the team, even with his shortcomings, as the team vied for a spot in the Eastern Conference Final.