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Sabres Lose Game 7; Tuch’s Slump Sparks New Deal Talks

5/21/2026

29 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Tuch's Contract Future

The Buffalo Sabres were eliminated by Montreal in Game 7, ending their playoff run.
Alex Tuch recorded zero goals, zero assists and a minus-8 rating in the series after posting 33 goals and 66 points in 79 games.
Tuch is in year of a seven-year, $33.25 million contract and will become a free agent on July 1.
GM Jarmo Kekalainen wants to re-sign Tuch, with AFP projecting a seven-year, $10.1 million-per-year deal.

Summary

Tuch's Pursuit

Rangers have $26.8 million cap space and are a top free-agent target for Tuch.
Bruins prefer adding a top-four right-handed defenseman over signing Tuch.
Blackhawks see Tuch as a power-forward who could pair with Connor Bedard.
Maple Leafs are more likely to target defensemen than Tuch despite needing top-six scoring.
Buffalo’s young forwards risk reduced ice time if Tuch re-signs.

History

Historical Context

In October 1996 the Detroit Red Wings acquired forward Brendan Shanahan from Hartford, and his 47-goal, 1996-97 season helped Detroit capture its first Stanley Cup since 1955 in 1997. Today, Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch, whose contract expires, draws offers from the Rangers, Bruins, Blackhawks and Maple Leafs, illustrating how high-value free-agent deals continue to reshape Eastern Conference salary-cap strategy.

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Tuch's Contract Future

The Buffalo Sabres were eliminated by Montreal in Game 7, ending their playoff run.
Alex Tuch recorded zero goals, zero assists and a minus-8 rating in the series after posting 33 goals and 66 points in 79 games.
Tuch is in year of a seven-year, $33.25 million contract and will become a free agent on July 1.
GM Jarmo Kekalainen wants to re-sign Tuch, with AFP projecting a seven-year, $10.1 million-per-year deal.

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