Buffalo Sabres Face Crucial Decision on Alex Tuch’s Future After Playoffs

The Buffalo Sabres’ 2026 playoffs ended in heartbreak with a Game 7 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens, but the real work for general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has just begun. The biggest question now is whether Alex Tuch will remain with the team or pursue a bigger payday elsewhere. Tuch, a pending unrestricted free agent, is a key figure in Buffalo’s rebuild and his decision could shape the Sabres’ future for years.

Tuch’s playoff performance was mixed. He posted seven points in the first-round sweep of Boston but was held scoreless in the second-round series against Montreal, finishing with a minus-10 rating. While some speculate he may have played through an injury, the lack of production in a high-stakes series could raise questions about his value in a long-term contract.

ESPN reports that Kekalainen is preparing a contract offer Tuch can’t refuse, but the market for top-end unrestricted free agents is thin. Tuch’s potential contract could reach $10 million per season for up to seven years. However, with only $12.9 million in projected cap space for 2026-27 (ranked 25th in the NHL), the Sabres may struggle to justify such a deal.

Tage Thompson, a teammate of Tuch’s, made his support clear. “I can tell you that I’d love to have him back. He’s an ultimate teammate. He’s a leader on this team. He drives the bus for us. Guys in this room look to him. He’s vocal. He plays the game the right way. He’s a big, big reason we were where we were.”

The Sabres have a long list of pending RFAs including Zach Benson, Peyton Krebs, and Michael Kesselring, as well as UFAs like Beck Malenstyn, Tanner Pearson, and Joshua Dunne. The team’s cap situation will be tested in the coming weeks as July 1 approaches.

Tuch’s future could also attract interest from teams like the Edmonton Oilers, despite financial constraints. As the deadline nears, the Sabres must decide whether to offer a hometown discount or pivot to a new direction with their top-line winger. The next few weeks will be critical for Buffalo’s long-term plans.