It’s going to be an interesting Olympic break for Alex Tuch and the Buffalo Sabres
The Chris Johnston Show: There haven’t really been any extensive contract negotiations between the Buffalo Sabers and Alex Tuch, but it’s expected to happen soon, probably during the Olympic break. It would take a significant offer for the Sabers to move him.
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Johnston: “You know, look, we kind of went into this a little bit when the trade board came out. You know, I think the likelihood of Tuch leaving gets smaller because the further we get into the season, the more success the Sabers have.
You know, what I can tell you is that at this stage, you know, there’s still no, as it’s been described to me, like comprehensive, you know, meaningful expansion talks, you know, since the new regime came into effect. You know, there’s clearly a dialogue going on. I think everyone knows there is a pending decision, but it doesn’t seem like much of that has happened lately.
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And I think there are a few reasons for that. Like I said, there’s a sort of order of things. You know, first of all, Jarmo Kekalainen becomes GM around the turn of the year. I mean, he needs to get his field to make a plan of attack. You know, get this, a player like (Josh) Doan signed.
You know. I think you know what’s going to be interesting for me is the Olympic break that’s coming up, but it’s already pretty close here. You know, no transactions are allowed during that period. There’s a roster freeze that way.
But I do think for a lot of teams and players considering extensions, it’s a natural time for those conversations to happen, just because obviously there won’t be games played for players who aren’t in the Olympics. It’s a time where it’s not necessarily a distraction. They can sort of handle those things when decisions need to be made.
And so, you know, I think it’s going to take off, with Tuch and the Sabers probably here in the fairly near future. But right now it seems like it’s simmering in the background. You know, I don’t see any reason, I mean, I think they would be crazy to trade them at this point unless they get an offer that you just can’t refuse. But no matter how well the team is doing, why mess with the mojo?
You mentioned the playoffs, I mean that’s a major cap for most franchises, but I think it’s as long away as Buffalo without making the playoffs. I mean, it’s more than just symbolic. I think this organization is trying to rebuild itself. It’s trying to, you know, restore some kind of old glory. Bring pride back to the fanbase. Get people excited.
You know, so there may be other calculations when it comes time to hit the rubber on the Tuch talks. But you know, what I’ll basically tell you is that it’s a little bit quiet on that front right now, but I don’t think it’s going to stay that way for long. I mean, at some point the Sabers are going to have to figure out what the real prize is. Will they meet it? And if not, they have to make a decision.
Do we keep the player and risk him leaving for nothing in the summer? Or do you want to exchange it?
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But you know, those dominoes haven’t started falling yet. I don’t think there’s anything that I would describe as clarity, and you know, I don’t think there is, to be honest, I haven’t heard his name in trade rumors at all. I don’t think that is being seriously considered, at least not from January 21.”
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