Overview
- Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports Buffalo has budged in talks with Tuch but no deal is in place, and his postseason showing could determine the outcome.
- Tuch is on an expiring contract at $4.75 million and can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 if no agreement is reached.
- Analysts project his next contract could reach roughly $10–$11 million per year given the thin 2026 forward class and rising cap.
- Buffalo is surging toward its first playoffs in 14 seasons after buying at the deadline, and GM Jarmo Kekalainen chose not to trade Tuch.
- League observers suggest a strong spring could force Buffalo’s hand, with interest from teams like the Blackhawks potentially driving up the price.