How much could the Sabers Tax cost them to extend Alex Tuch?
The magazine with Jeff Marek: David Pagnotta talks to Jeff Marek about the Buffalo Sabers and the Sabers tax. It could cost the Sabers $11 million or more to re-sign Alex Tuch. Will he be tempted to hit free agency if they don’t turn things around this year?
** NHLRumors.com transcription
Pagnotta: “Alex Tuch, yes, he is interested in staying. And, and as Brian confirmed, he is far from closing the door on the Sabres. But they need to know what the direction of this team is. That’s the feeling I got.”
And you know what, Jeff, if there’s, you know, some markets have a tax. Well, Buffalo also based the Sabers tax on what’s going on now and how long it’s been a problem in that market, just from the hockey perspective itself.
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So I have to imagine that, yeah, especially with other guys who have done that, who have made money and that, you know, you have fewer and fewer guys now. They’re coming off the list, and fewer and fewer, guys, excuse me, will be available on July 1, next summer.
He’s thinking, if this team isn’t going in the right direction in the very near future, I might as well take my game to July 1 and make some big money. As I’ve talked to a few teams in the last 24 hours who think it’s not just a $10 million AAV to stay. You’re probably looking north of 11 (million).”
Marek: “Wow.”
Pagnotta: “And maybe, maybe a little bit closer to 12 (million).”
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The fair market value for Alex Tuch would be between $9 million and $9.5 million on a long-term deal. #Sabrehood
I really like Tuch as a player, but he isn’t worth as much as Marner, Connor or Rantanen in my opinion, even if the cap goes up. https://t.co/v9PCJXmAqY pic.twitter.com/TsZ8gym5Mp— ScotiaStat Hockey (@ScotiaStat) October 20, 2025
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