Alex Tuch has demonstrated exceptional offensive prowess with two consecutive seasons of 33+ goals and three such seasons in the last four years, including 36 in 2022-23. His impact extends to the playoffs, where he’s already contributed three goals and three assists in four games. Furthermore, his strong defensive play this year warrants consideration for the Selke Trophy. As the Sabres continue to win and Tuch maintains his high level of performance, his market value is likely to climb, making it imperative for the team to secure him on a long-term contract.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, a successful playoff run for both the Buffalo Sabres and Alex Tuch would only increase the urgency for the team to re-sign him, making his departure unthinkable.

“Watching a performance like that (Thursday) night, there are 31 teams that are going ‘Boy, I really hope that he gets to free agency, because he’s such a difference maker,'” commented Matt Marchese regarding Tuch’s impact.

Friedman theorizes that Tuch’s best path to a lucrative contract was to enter the playoffs unsigned and perform exceptionally well. He questioned Buffalo’s ability to let him walk if he continues to play at a high level throughout the postseason. Marchese echoed this sentiment, suggesting the Sabres might have had no choice but to re-sign him regardless of their playoff performance, acknowledging that Tuch is significantly raising his perceived worth.

Mike Futa believes Tuch is actively defining his value, noting that the contract Buffalo may have been comfortable with earlier is now likely different. “I think this guy’s putting in Sharpie, what I’m worth,” Futa stated.

Friedman also highlighted Tuch’s defensive contributions, referencing David Amber’s advocacy for his Selke candidacy. He pointed to Tuch’s crucial presence at the end of the first playoff win, securing an empty-net goal, and his significant goal in the subsequent game. Friedman concluded that as long as the Sabres continue to advance and Tuch performs well, it seems unavoidable for Buffalo to re-sign him.

Translation to English:

The Buffalo Sabres Must Re-sign Alex Tuch: His Value Soars

Alex Tuch has put up back-to-back 33+ goal seasons (33 and 36), and three in the last four years (36 in 2022-23). He’s contributed three goals and three assists through four playoff games so far. He’ll receive some Selke consideration for his defensive play this year. His asking price may continue to rise if the Sabres keep winning and his play remains at this level. The Sabres may have no choice but to pay the player and secure him long-term.

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman noted that if the Sabres and Tuch have a successful playoff run, the team will be even more obligated to re-sign him. They cannot afford to let him leave.

“Listen, I understand that there’s a chance that Alex Tuch does not get to free agency, but watching a performance like that (Thursday) night, there are 31 teams that are going ‘Boy, I really hope that he gets to free agency, because he’s such a difference maker,'” said Matt Marchese.

Friedman added, “So what I think that, like for me, I thought the best thing to happen to Tuch, it was that they don’t sign him during the regular season. I mean, I think obviously it would have been great for everybody involved if he got signed during the regular season.

But I thought his best path to the biggest number he could get was, he enters the playoffs unsigned, and he has a great playoff. And then what’s Buffalo going to do? They’re going to have to do it, right? At least, that’s my theory. Like you guys tell me if you think I’m wrong. If they have a great playoffs and he plays well for them, how can you let them walk?”

Marchese agreed, stating, “Can I take, can I take it even a step further? I think that they had no choice but to do it, whether they had a good playoff or not. Honestly.”

Friedman acknowledged, “Okay. I mean, that’s fair enough.”

Marchese continued, “But I think you’re right. He’s, he’s pushing the bar.”

Mike Futa chimed in, “But I think the number, the number…” Marchese elaborated, “The number is different now, what Buffalo was comfortable with.”

Futa agreed, “Yeah, what Buffalo was hoping for, early. I think this guy’s putting in Sharpie, what I’m worth.”

Friedman concluded, “Well the thing is, they’re still got to close it out, right? They still have to win. But again, and I give credit to (David) Amber for this, because Amber is one of the guys who really put it in my head. That Amber was big on Tuch for Selke, and he didn’t finish first in my ballot, but he’s on my ballot.

And, and you know, if you look in the game they won, the first one. He’s on the ice at the end of the game to get the empty netter. And (Thursday) night, he scored a huge goal.

Like, they have to close this out, and they have to win. But I, I just look at this, and it’s like, the bet is, the longer they go and the better he does. And so far, they’re up two games, and he’s playing well. I just don’t see a way how Buffalo can’t do it.”