Alex Tuch extension (poll)

[triumph_communes]

The money is one thing and is manageable, but it’s the term that’s the mistake with Tuch. He’s signing his last deal a couple years later than most do

 

If Jarmo simply lets him walk to UFA I’d have a lot of respect.  If Tuch wants to stay he will sign a 6yr deal at market rate. And the fans will know at that point he chose Buffalo and didn’t swindle Buffalo like Skinner did.

We don’t need assets out of him.  Just his play through year end.  Which should be good if it’s a contract year

Edited December 29, 2025 by triumph_communes

[Doohickie]

But also, the money's not manageable.  Other contracts coming.

[PerreaultForever]

1 hour ago, 7+6=13 said:

There's a reason one of the first actions Jarmo took was to reach out to Tuch's people.  I imagine it wasn't to mouse into a contract, make this a drawn out thing or start conversation.  

I'm guessing it was specific and direct.  I'd bet he got his answers and mostly knows what he'll do, barring his camp calling to change their position. 

Which in fairness is what every GM should do and would do. Really the whole management team should already know the number from KA and you should already know Tuch's ask so now you phone the agent and make sure it's final or if there's wiggle room and if there is how much. Then you work that against your own cap projections and his value. 

 

[PerreaultForever]

19 minutes ago, triumph_communes said:

The money is one thing and is manageable, but it’s the term that’s the mistake with Tuch. He’s signing his last deal a couple years later than most do

 

If Jarmo simply lets him walk to UFA I’d have a lot of respect.  If Tuch wants to stay he will sign a 6yr deal at market rate. And the fans will know at that point he chose Buffalo and didn’t swindle Buffalo like Skinner did.

We don’t need assets out of him.  Just his play through year end.  Which should be good if it’s a contract year

So as a GM you say 4@10 okay, but then 1 more@8.5, another 1@7.5 and 2@6 makes 8@68 or 8.5 AAV    Even that is generous, but I'd say acceptable.

[triumph_communes]

Anything above 4 years that’s AAV over 7 million is a mistake. I’m sure many teams are willing to make that mistake. I don’t think we should be the ones. Too much youth more important than a 38yo Tuch

 

can stomach some 12MM for 4yr. But that means we’re losing a bunch of vets this season end 

Edited December 29, 2025 by triumph_communes

[Dlou]

Tuch has been a real solid player for the Sabres and have been wanting to keep and sign him to an extension for a while , but I think longer than 6 years is too much at this time 

[SABRES 0311]

I don’t see what waiting until the deadline does. Trade him now for a top six forward and move on/forward.

[Mr. MVP]

12 hours ago, triumph_communes said:

What team is doing this kind of trade?

The team that wants a slightly better player?  One with a different skill set than the player they have.  Not that outrageous.  This isn’t EA Sports.  

[Archie Lee]

Kempe only became a $10.65 million dollar player because the cap is rising quickly.

From 2011-2020 the cap rose 37%.  Then came the covid flat cap; it rose only 2.5% from 2020-2024.  Now it is projected to rise 36% by 2027-2028 (from 2024), to $113.5 million. 

2027-2028 will be year two of the Kempe deal, meaning in year two the contract will be under 9.5% of the cap. There are no guarantees the cap continues to rise (Lord knows I can think of a few world-related-catastrophic-scenarios, that would impact a rising cap), but if we assume the cap goes up 35% over the last 6 years of the Kempe deal, the cap will approach $155 million by the time year 8 comes around.  That would put the Kempe deal under 7% of the cap.  That's a lower % than Okposo's cap hit was at the end of his $6 million per year contract. 

I don't think failing to extend Tuch needs to be a disaster.  But, teams that are trying to win generally don't trade their 3rd or 4th best player at the deadline.

[JohnC]

13 hours ago, Pimlach said:

What about trade him soon and get a useful player back rather than settling for futures at the deadline? 

Absolutely not! Why tamper with a core player when the team is on a role?  The focus should mostly be on this season. He’s a critical player on the ice and in the room. 
 

As far as getting a good return in a trade, it wouldn’t be as much as you think because of his impending UFA status. 
 

If a contract can’t be worked. out and we lose him, then his contract subtraction can be used for another good player next year.

The Sabres are on an impressive roll that the rest of the league is talking about, Let’s go for it this season and regain our long lost credibility so players would want to come here and players would want to stay here. Let’s focus on the now and not  on tomorrow. Our abused fans deserve it.

[Pimlach]

3 minutes ago, JohnC said:

Absolutely not! Why tamper with a core player when the team is on a role?  The focus should mostly be on this season. He’s a critical player on the ice and in the room. 
 

As far as getting a good return in a trade, it wouldn’t be as much as you think because of his impending UFA status. 
 

If a contract can’t be worked. out and we lose him, then his contract subtraction can be used for another good player next year.

The Sabres are on an impressive roll that the rest of the league is talking about, Let’s go for it this season and regain our long lost credibility so players would want to come here and players would want to stay here. Let’s focus on the now and not  on tomorrow. Our abused fans deserve it.

Focus on now?   I have been preaching that for 15 years.  

oh, all of a sudden Tuch is a core player once again ?   What happened to the slowing down, floating, inaccurate shot, head case version of Alex Tuch that I keep reading about right here?   This place is all over the map, even when the team wins.  

Trading before the deadline is a legitimate option that is missing from the poll.    But yes, time is ticking away and making that less likely to happen.   

 

 

 

 

[Weave]

1 minute ago, Pimlach said:

Focus on now?   I have been preaching that for 15 years.  

oh, all of a sudden Tuch is a core player once again ?   What happened to the slowing down, floating, inaccurate shot, head case version of Alex Tuch that I keep reading about right here?   This place is all over the map, even when the team wins.  

Trading before the deadline is a legitimate option that is missing from the poll.    But yes, time is ticking away and making that less likely to happen.   

 

 

 

 

Individual posters are all over the map, not the forum members as a collective.  Yes, some want him upgraded.  Others want to find a way to retain him.  Its not a universal opinion that changes en mass.

[Spoonman]

14 hours ago, Pimlach said:

What about trade him soon and get a useful player back rather than settling for futures at the deadline? 

Jarmo & Mark B are “chumming the water” w other GMs & letting this win streak play out (if it ain’t - currently- broke). 

I trust moves are coming to make this a playoff team this year. 

[JohnC]

12 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

Focus on now?   I have been preaching that for 15 years.  

oh, all of a sudden Tuch is a core player once again ?   What happened to the slowing down, floating, inaccurate shot, head case version of Alex Tuch that I keep reading about right here?   This place is all over the map, even when the team wins.  

Trading before the deadline is a legitimate option that is missing from the poll.    But yes, time is ticking away and making that less likely to happen.   

 

 

 

 

Tuch has been a core player since he joined this franchise, and he still is. I’m certainly not arguing that he is slowing down so don’t lay that argument on me. However, that issue will come to play after he signs a contract.

The Sabres have put themselves in the playoff mix with this glorious and stunning run. Just concentrate on this freaking season and don’t worry about future seasons. We have some excellent prospects in the system that will address the future. This year is about the now—-let’s go for it!

[Pimlach]

3 minutes ago, JohnC said:

Tuch has been a core player since he joined this franchise, and he still is. I’m certainly not arguing that he is slowing down so don’t lay that argument on me. However, that issue will come to play after he signs a contract.

The Sabres have put themselves in the playoff mix with this glorious and stunning run. Just concentrate on this freaking season and don’t worry about future seasons. We have some excellent prospects in the system that will address the future. This year is about the now—-let’s go for it!

I’m the last person that needs to be told to concentrate on the now.   

And Tuch’s status has nothing to do with that.  

[JoeSchmoe]

I don't think we can replace Tuch via trade- especially his defensive and leadership contributions.  

The cap is going up and we're apparently able to spend to it, so let's sign him.

[JohnC]

3 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

I’m the last person that needs to be told to concentrate on the now.   

And Tuch’s status has nothing to do with that.  

The Tuch issue certainly has repercussions about the present season. How can it not be?The Sabres are on a roll. It’s not just about talent when it comes to the Tuch issue. Team chemistry is a delicate thing that can’t be measured but it certainly can be a big factor. Leave it alone and ride the horse 🐎 that you have in your stall. Don’t mess with it!!!!

[mjd1001]

53 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

Focus on now?   I have been preaching that for 15 years.  

oh, all of a sudden Tuch is a core player once again ?   What happened to the slowing down, floating, inaccurate shot, head case version of Alex Tuch that I keep reading about right here?   This place is all over the map, even when the team wins.  

Trading before the deadline is a legitimate option that is missing from the poll.    But yes, time is ticking away and making that less likely to happen.   

 

 

 

 

Yeah, there are some on this board that change their minds, but most individuals are not all over the map.  There are some of us that don't think giving Tuch a large extension is a good idea, and we have been of that mind consistently for most of the year.

The 'all over the map' that you mention might simply be the order or frequency that you read comments posted.  Again, I know myself and a handful of others on here that feel the same way about Tuch. He is and has been a very good player. He is an important player on this team, but it would not be good for the team going forward to give him 8 years at anywhere near $80m or more.

7 minutes ago, JohnC said:

The Tuch issue certainly has repercussions about the present season. How can it not be?The Sabres are on a roll. It’s not just about talent when it comes to the Tuch issue. Team chemistry is a delicate thing that can’t be measured but it certainly can be a big factor. Leave it alone and ride the horse 🐎 that you have in your stall. Don’t mess with it!!!!

As mentioned above by myself I think the ideal situation is to do nothing with him.  Don't mess with that Chemistry this year...let him play out his deal. Nothing changes for the rest of the year.

I simply don't want him re-signed to a huge dollar, long term deal. 

There are some that are in favor of signing him to a long term deal because he is a good player and they are tired of the Sabres moving out their good players. ON the surface that sounds good. However, I'm tired of the team 'making mistakes'. Moving out Jack Eichel when he was already signed long term and in his early 20's is totally different than not re-signing Tuch to an 8 year, high dollar deal.  "moving" out good players isn't the mistake when they are totally different situations.

Not keeping a 23 year old Eichel was a long-term mistake when he was on a big dollar contract from age 21-28. Don't compound that mistake by over-compensating for it by making a different mistake by giving a high dollar contract to a 30+ year old who will be signed possibly from age 30-38.

Edited December 29, 2025 by mjd1001

[mjd1001]

8 minutes ago, JoeSchmoe said:

I don't think we can replace Tuch via trade- especially his defensive and leadership contributions.  

The cap is going up and we're apparently able to spend to it, so let's sign him.

The problem is everyone knows the cap is going up, and everyone wants extra money. You give Tuch that Kempe deal that approaches $11 per year, and even with an increasing cap you are going to have trouble re-signing Doan, and Benson, and Kesserling, and about 2-3 other players you need to re-sign to fill in the roster. (at least next year, when the Skinner cap hit accelerates for one year)

[JoeSchmoe]

2 minutes ago, mjd1001 said:

The problem is everyone knows the cap is going up, and everyone wants extra money. You give Tuch that Kempe deal that approaches $11 per year, and even with an increasing cap you are going to have trouble re-signing Doan, and Benson, and Kesserling, and about 2-3 other players you need to re-sign to fill in the roster. (at least next year, when the Skinner cap hit accelerates for one year)

I used to think like that too, but over the years I've watched all the good teams somehow make it work.

I think our #1 MO should be to establish ourselves as a good fun place to play. Everyone says palm trees and taxes don't matter when you're winning. Losing Tuch would be a step back.

[JohnC]

2 minutes ago, mjd1001 said:

Yeah, there are some on this board that change their minds, but most individuals are not all over the map.  There are some of us that don't think giving Tuch a large extension is a good idea, and we have been of that mind consistently for most of the year.

The 'all over the map' that you mention might simply be the order or frequency that you read comments posted.  Again, I know myself and a handful of others on here that feel the same way about Tuch. He is and has been a very good player. He is an important player on this team, but it would not be good for the team going forward to give him 8 years at anywhere near $80m or more.

As mentioned above by myself I think the ideal situation is to do nothing with him.  Don't mess with that Chemistry this year...let him play out his deal. Nothing changes for the rest of the year.

I simply don't want him re-signed to a huge dollar, long term deal. 

I’m not too worried about how his future contract would eventually turn out to be burdensome. He will get market value. The big issue is going to relate to the length of his future contract more so than the per annum. It might be in the franchise’s interest to wait until the offseason if the contract numbers are currently not acceptable to the organization. I’m glad Jarmo is the person sitting behind the desk making the tough call. 

[Goldseatsaud]

I wouldn't trade him. Sabres need a leaders. 

[Doohickie]

5 hours ago, SABRES 0311 said:

I don’t see what waiting until the deadline does. Trade him now for a top six forward and move on/forward.

Who would trade a top six forward for a top six forward that's about to get a hefty payday at year's end?

If the Sabres trade Tuch for another forward, it's gonna be someone like we already have plenty of:  Östlund, Kulich, Rosén, etc.  

Our biggest needs are experienced Dmen and 1G.  Right now the team is functioning pretty good.  Other teams would want Tuch and one of our goalies (likely Lyon) to fork over a true 1G.  But what team wants to take a downgrade at goalie?

On defense, the Sabres could use a playoff experienced defensive blue liner.  I think if Tuch is moved, it will be expiring contract for expiring contract

2026 Free Agent Dmen

• John Carlson (Washington Capitals)
• Rasmus Andersson (Calgary Flames)
• Ryan McDonagh (Nashville Predators)
• Jamie Oleksiak (Seattle Kraken)
• Connor Murphy (Chicago Blackhawks)
• Mike Matheson (Pittsburgh Penguins)
• Mario Ferraro (San Jose Sharks)
• Jacob Trouba (New York Rangers)
• Brett Kulak (Edmonton Oilers)
• Radko Gudas (Anaheim Ducks)
• Mathew Dumba (Pittsburgh Penguins)
• Erik Gudbranson (Columbus Blue Jackets)
• John Klingberg (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Maybe they could turn it into a player that expires in 2027

• Erik Karlsson (Pittsburgh Penguins)
• Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)
• Justin Faulk (St. Louis Blues)
• Dmitry Orlov (St. Louis Blues)
• Torey Krug (St. Louis Blues)
• Brent Burns (Colorado Avalanche)
• Matt Grzelcyk (Boston Bruins)
• Vladislav Gavrikov (New York Rangers) 

So who wants Tuch until the end of the season?  Or are the Sabres better off keeping him as a rental?

[LGR4GM]

7 minutes ago, Doohickie said:

Who would trade a top six forward for a top six forward that's about to get a hefty payday at year's end?

If the Sabres trade Tuch for another forward, it's gonna be someone like we already have plenty of:  Östlund, Kulich, Rosén, etc.  

Our biggest needs are experienced Dmen and 1G.  Right now the team is functioning pretty good.  Other teams would want Tuch and one of our goalies (likely Lyon) to fork over a true 1G.  But what team wants to take a downgrade at goalie?

On defense, the Sabres could use a playoff experienced defensive blue liner.  I think if Tuch is moved, it will be expiring contract for expiring contract

2026 Free Agent Dmen

• John Carlson (Washington Capitals)
• Rasmus Andersson (Calgary Flames)
• Ryan McDonagh (Nashville Predators)
• Jamie Oleksiak (Seattle Kraken)
• Connor Murphy (Chicago Blackhawks)
• Mike Matheson (Pittsburgh Penguins)
• Mario Ferraro (San Jose Sharks)
• Jacob Trouba (New York Rangers)
• Brett Kulak (Edmonton Oilers)
• Radko Gudas (Anaheim Ducks)
• Mathew Dumba (Pittsburgh Penguins)
• Erik Gudbranson (Columbus Blue Jackets)
• John Klingberg (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Maybe they could turn it into a player that expires in 2027

• Erik Karlsson (Pittsburgh Penguins)
• Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)
• Justin Faulk (St. Louis Blues)
• Dmitry Orlov (St. Louis Blues)
• Torey Krug (St. Louis Blues)
• Brent Burns (Colorado Avalanche)
• Matt Grzelcyk (Boston Bruins)
• Vladislav Gavrikov (New York Rangers) 

So who wants Tuch until the end of the season?  Or are the Sabres better off keeping him as a rental?

No offense by I think it's certifiable to list some of these expiring contracts in some sort of Tuch deal. For example I'm fairly certain Dumba was either scratched or waived before Christmas. 

[Archie Lee]

1 hour ago, mjd1001 said:

The problem is everyone knows the cap is going up, and everyone wants extra money. You give Tuch that Kempe deal that approaches $11 per year, and even with an increasing cap you are going to have trouble re-signing Doan, and Benson, and Kesserling, and about 2-3 other players you need to re-sign to fill in the roster. (at least next year, when the Skinner cap hit accelerates for one year)

It's not possible to keep everyone.  But, if you traded Quinn and Greenway in the off-season without taking back cap, I think everyone else would fit including Tuch at $10.65 million.  It really wouldn't be that hard to do, and the best teams find ways to do this all the time.