The Buffalo Sabers are only a few games into the new season, but the frustration and uncertainty is already boiling over – and that has led to rumors that some of the Sabres’ big names may be on the move, while also keeping the Alex Tuch-to-Edmonton rumors alive and well.
After a dismal start that saw Buffalo look flat and disorganized, speculation has resurfaced that this is already shaping up to be a year where the Sabers will be sellers. Coming to that conclusion so quickly in a season seems ridiculous, but insiders and analysts are already suggesting the coach looks and sounds defeated. Stars in the team have also suggested that this should be a season of progress or major change.
That will lead to questions about the future of Alex Tuch, who has said he would like to re-sign with Buffalo, but no deal has been made yet and he has to worry about a long-term contract with a team that has struggled year after year.
The Oilers could keep an eye on the winger as the Sabers’ season continues to develop. said Jeff Marek on Sekeres and Price that “there is a lot of talk about Tuch around the Oilers.” With the Sabres’ playoff drought stretching back to 2011 and patience running thin internally, players like Tuch could soon become trade targets for contending teams.
TSN’s Craig Button added that if he were a rival GM, he would “call the Sabers and try to poach players from there,” specifically mentioning Tuch as a strong fit in Edmonton’s top six. Jason Gregor echoed that sentiment, suggesting that Tuch should inform Buffalo early if he plans to move on, giving management time to find a deal.
Can the Oilers make this work with Tuch?
Tuch, 28, would check several boxes for the Oilers: size, speed and a strong two-way game that could complement Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. The challenge, however, would be financial. With Edmonton strapped for cash, General Manager Stan Bowman would have to fork over money to make a deal work.
The team also has too many players on the roster, meaning multiple bodies would have to be sent back into the deal or a separate trade would have to be found to get players out.
But as Buffalo’s season begins to crumble, the buzz surrounding players like Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson and Tuch will grow louder. That chatter could quickly turn into something more serious.
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