'“I don’t think at this point, that we’ve come to, at any point in our talks, that would indicate he wants to sign with us,” Kekalainen said Wednesday, before the trade was reported. “I think he’s moving on and getting into free agency and now, we’ve got to look at our options, whether its sign-and-trade or if we can recoup some value, now that we’ve used him as a rental for … [Read more...] about Sabres trade Alex Tuch to Washington after GM Jarmo Kekalainen rules out right wing’s return
Archives for June 25, 2026
Sabres sign Zach Benson to seven-year contract
'Benson was set to become a restricted free agent as of July 1. Prior to signing a new contract, Benson was in the final year of a three-year, entry-level contract with a cap hit of $950,000.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Zach Benson to seven-year contract
Mike Harrington: In NHL's 'power move' hand, Sabres' GM still holds key cards
'Byram wanted to be a No. 1 defenseman, and that was that. He wasn't staying, even though the Sabres worked with him the entire season trying to get him to accept his role as a terrific second-pair defenseman on a winning team. Byram wasn't signing.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: In NHL’s ‘power move’ hand, Sabres’ GM still holds key cards
Sabres send Alex Tuch to Capitals in sign-and-trade deal
'By arranging a sign-and-trade deal – before sending him to Washington, Tuch inked an eight-year, $84 million contract extension – the Sabres acquired a third-round pick in 2027 and the rights to veteran forward David Kampf.' … [Read more...] about Sabres send Alex Tuch to Capitals in sign-and-trade deal
After breakout stretch, Sabres’ Zach Benson signs long-term contract
'His $7.5 million salary cap hit ranks fourth on the Sabres, trailing only captain Rasmus Dahlin ($11 million), defenseman Owen Power ($8.35 million) and center Josh Norris ($7.95 million).' … [Read more...] about After breakout stretch, Sabres’ Zach Benson signs long-term contract
Bowen Byram ‘didn’t want to negotiate’ new contract, so Sabres made trade with Blackhawks
'But Byram, 25, wanted to become a No. 1 defenseman, an opportunity he would likely never have in Buffalo with captain Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson around. So, according to Kekalainen, Byram “didn’t want to negotiate.” “He wasn’t gonna sign with us,” Kekalainen said Wednesday at One Bills Drive, where the Sabres are headquartered for this weekend’s NHL … [Read more...] about Bowen Byram ‘didn’t want to negotiate’ new contract, so Sabres made trade with Blackhawks
Sabres deal Byram, Tuch, acquire No. 4 overall pick ahead of Friday's NHL Draft
'“We like Bowen Byram a lot, wanted to re-sign him, that wasn’t going to happen, so we had to make a decision, and the deal that we had in front of us, a couple of deals that we had in front of us were too good to pass on,” Sabres General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. “So we made the trade, and now we have some draft capital we can use to improve our team, whether it’s in the … [Read more...] about Sabres deal Byram, Tuch, acquire No. 4 overall pick ahead of Friday’s NHL Draft
Sabres ink Benson to 7-year, $52.5 million extension
'A fan favorite will be sticking around Buffalo for years to come.' … [Read more...] about Sabres ink Benson to 7-year, $52.5 million extension
Capitals acquire forward Alex Tuch from Sabres in sign-and-trade
'Tuch’s most recent contract was for seven years with an average annual value of $4.75 million US.' … [Read more...] about Capitals acquire forward Alex Tuch from Sabres in sign-and-trade
NHL executive Gerry Meehan helped engineer the first defection of a Soviet player
'While recording his firsts, he helped many others achieve theirs. Serving as the Sabres’ assistant GM and an adjunct professor at University at Buffalo’s school of law, Mr. Meehan mentored student Helen (Nellie) Drew in sports law. Ms. Drew later became outside counsel to both the NHL and Sabres – after he had performed both roles with the same firm – and she said she was the … [Read more...] about NHL executive Gerry Meehan helped engineer the first defection of a Soviet player
Thursday's Washington Coverage
Caps take another swing, get winger Alex Tuch for eight years in sign-and-trade (Washington Post) Capitals add forward Tuch from Sabres in sign-and-trade deal (Washington Times) Capitals land Sabres' Alex Tuch in sign-and-trade deal: Top NHL free agents left (USA Today) Capitals Acquire Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres (WashingtonCaps.com) Caps Land Tuch in Sign-and-Trade … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Washington Coverage
Thursday's Chicago Coverage
Bowen Byram believes he can become a No. 1 defenseman, and the Blackhawks need him to be right (Chicago Sun Times) Why did Blackhawks trade for Bowen Byram? While baffling on paper, Chicago has to move (USA Today) Byram says he’s ready for his new opportunity as the No. 1 defenseman for the Blackhawks (AP) Why the Blackhawks paid a premium for potential No. 1 defenseman … [Read more...] about Thursday’s Chicago Coverage
Sabres trading Alex Tuch to Capitals — who are giving him $84 million contract
'This past season, when the Sabres broke their 14-year playoff drought, Tuch put up 33 goals and 66 points. He recorded seven points in six games in the first round of the playoffs against the Bruins, a series the Sabres won in six games. His production slowed down significantly in the second round against the Canadiens, being held without a point. The Sabres lost a … [Read more...] about Sabres trading Alex Tuch to Capitals — who are giving him $84 million contract
Capitals sign forward Alex Tuch to extension after Sabres trade
'Tuch, 30, was one of the top unrestricted free agents available this summer. The veteran winger, who grew up in western New York, negotiated with his hometown team, but neither side was able to bridge the gap on a new deal. The Sabres now get some compensation from the Capitals for allowing them to skip the line ahead of July 1 free agency. They also hold the rights to Kampf … [Read more...] about Capitals sign forward Alex Tuch to extension after Sabres trade
Capitals to Acquire Alex Tuch in Sign-and-Trade With Sabres
'On Wednesday, Buffalo agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with the Capitals that will see veteran winger Alex Tuch dealt to Washington, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. As part of the trade, Tuch will sign an eight-year extension with the Capitals that will pay him $10.5 million annually.' … [Read more...] about Capitals to Acquire Alex Tuch in Sign-and-Trade With Sabres