Alex Tuch's decision puzzles pundits and creates NHL trade market uncertainty
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch and head coach Lindy Ruff find themselves in a fascinating contract standoff as the trade deadline quickly approaches.
Throughout the regular season, loud whispers circulated around the league that the pending unrestricted free agent would inevitably be shipped out.
Contract extension negotiations seemingly hit a wall early on, leaving management staring down a difficult path regarding their valuable asset.
But a recent report from Daily Faceoff completely changes the entire narrative surrounding the impending roster decisions.
According to insider David Pagnotta, the surging Buffalo squad might actually hold onto the veteran winger and treat him as their own internal rental player.
They've been playing some of their most inspired hockey this season, making the idea of subtracting a core piece highly unpopular in the locker room.
Buffalo Sabres have a decision to make with Tuch
The risk is obvious, because keeping a star without a long-term deal guarantees the possibility of losing him for absolutely nothing in summer free agency.
With 48 points already in the bank across 56 games this season, Tuch continues carrying a massive share of the offensive burden.
His transition game and solid execution are undeniable reasons why the Sabres remain a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference standings.
If this group can secure a playoff spot and make a deep run, that winning environment could easily convince him to re-sign when the dust settles.
Career-wise, the Syracuse native understands the local market and brings a rare blend of size and skill that they desperately need.
Moving him at the deadline completely disrupts the controlled entries and overall chemistry they built over the last grueling homestand.
Without him, they run the risk of being held scoreless on important nights. Nobody wants to see the top unit post a -3 rating in a critical matchup.
Expect the front office to roll the dice, ignore the trade calls, and ride this momentum all the way to the postseason finish line.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 20|107 ANSWERS Alex Tuch's decision puzzles pundits and creates NHL trade market uncertainty Should the Buffalo Sabres risk losing Alex Tuch to free agency by keeping him as a playoff rental ? | ||
| Yes | 62 | 57.9 % |
| No | 45 | 42.1 % |
| List of polls | ||