The Buffalo Sabres would love to keep Alex Tuch but it looks like the forward is headed to free agency and Toronto has no excuse not present him an offer.
For months it's been a rollercoaster of reporting regarding Alex Tuch. First, Buffalo was dead set on keeping him, then he popped up in trade rumours, and then became a focal point of the Sabres core and was looking for a long-term extension. A new report from Darren Dreger shows that the two are so far apart that Tuch is going to likely head to free agency.
And that's where the Maple Leafs need to strike because they have literally no excuse.
With Auston Matthews wanting to have some lineup help and needing some much needed protection, there's a few people who could come in, but given that free agency is a bit weaker than in year's previous, it's going to be a dogfight for those premium names.
Tuch and Buffalo have been far apart on a deal for some time and now he is likely headed to the market on July 1
One of those is reportedly Alex Tuch, and according to Darren Dreger - he's really not happy with the Sabres right now.
Dreger reports that the two sides are far apart on extension talks and it is looking more and more likely that the American power forward hits the open market:
It sure sounds like there isn't progress being made between Buffalo and Alex Tuch, and I'm hearing that Tuch is likely going to free agency.
That's a great sign for the Maple Leafs and a horrible turn of events for the Sabres. You can hardly blame Tuch though, as he is going to ask for a huge increase on his $4.75-million contract.
Tuch earned it too, as he's been fantastic the past four seasons with the Sabres and turned into a perennial 30-goal, 85-hit player. He's scored 271 points in 310 games the past four seasons (127 goals, 144 assists) but also fantastic defensively, as he was a plus-63.
Add into that 331 blocks, 281 hits and more takeaways than giveaways and you can see that even though Buffalo struggled until this year - Tuch has always been great.
Though you can point to his miserable stretch against Montreal in the postseason as an indicator of someone who again can't get it done, but he has 23 goals in 79 playoff games, so he's still more than capable - but Toronto needs to be aware he's not perfect.
He's reportedly also looking for a contract worth around $11-million per season, and while that is a huge commitment, he's still got a few good years left so even a four-year, $44+-million deal is still respectable for what you're getting; especially in a win-now window.
A 6-foot-4 power forward who blocks shots, kills penalties, and has elite defensive awareness is exactly the bite Toronto needs
Tuch's presence on the ice can't be overstated either. He's huge at 6-foot-4, 219 pounds but he's not really a slow player as he ranked in the 87th percentile for max skating speed (22.82 MPH) and was above average in all other skating categories according to NHL EDGE statistics.
Imagine a freight train running at you at full speed and that's what you get with Tuch. He's also someone who uses all of that frame and size to disrupt opponents whether it's a well-times stick check or laying his body on the line.
He's also ridiculously effective on the PK, as not only does he have very good possession and defensive numbers but also has 11 short-handed goals the past four years, so he's more than capable of taking over even in the toughest circumstances.
Auston Matthews and William Nylander implored Toronto to get some more dogs up front and while Tuch isn't exactly a guy who runs around headhunting or trying to be uber-physical. But he is the kind of guy who fights for pucks, doesn't mind getting into the nitty gritty, and clearly doesn't mind sacrificing himself.
That's perfect for not only Auston Matthews but the entire Maple Leafs lineup, and the team has no excuse not to at least see what his price is.
Do you want Alex Tuch to sign with the Maple Leafs in free agency?
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