The Buffalo Sabres hired Jarmo Kekalainen as the team’s new general manager (GM) in December, and one of the first questions he was asked at his introductory press conference was about pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) Alex Tuch and where things stand with him.
Kekalainen stated that “it takes two parties to agree on a number that both feel is reasonable … Alex is a really good hockey player, we appreciate him, we like him, we want to get him signed.”
It clearly seems like Kekalainen wants to get a deal done with Tuch sooner rather than later, because, looking at the bigger picture, as each day passes, the higher the chances are that Tuch ends up walking in free agency on July 1. The Sabres have a big decision to make with him, whether it’s leading up to the trade deadline in March or ensuring an extension is in place before he hits the open market on July 1.
Is Tuch Worth What He Is Reportedly Asking For?
There have been multiple reports about the amount of money Tuch is asking for in a new contract. However, there is one common theme between all of them. His asking price is at least $10 million per season, according to the latest report from David Pagnotta, who has been told by people around the league that Tuch is seeking $10-$11 million per season.
David Pagnotta: Re Alex Tuch negotiations: He wants $10 plus, that’s every indication I’ve been given from people around the league is he’s in $10-11m range – DFO Rundown (12/31)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) January 4, 2026
Tuch has been one of the Sabres’ most consistent players since being acquired in 2021, when the Sabres traded their disgruntled superstar Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights. Since being acquired, Tuch has the second most points as a Sabre (284), trailing only Tage Thompson (323). He is second in goals (124), trailing Thompson in that as well (173), but Tuch leads the team in assists with 160 since he was acquired.
Tuch’s point totals in the four and a half seasons since being acquired have been:
- 2021-22: 38 points in 50 games played (0.76 points per game)
- 2022-23: 79 points in 74 games played (1.06 points per game)
- 2023-24: 59 points in 75 games played (0.78 points per game)
- 2024-25: 67 points in 82 games played (0.81 points per game)
- 2025-26 (so far): 42 points in 50 games played (0.84 points per game)
Tuch has been producing at least 0.76 points per game every season as a Sabre, but the big question is: he is turning 30 this season, and given his playstyle, maybe it catches up to him, and his play regresses fast.
Related: Sabres Trade Target: Robert Thomas
As for what the stats are worth, I do believe the Sabres would be wrong not to at least entertain the $10 million-per-season asking price. Where they could get in a little trouble is if the Sabres see him producing at a high level now and decide to give him an eight-year contract extension of at least $10.7 million per season.
We’ve seen teams fall into traps of a player producing a high level when they’re 27-29 or even 30 years old, and said team gives them a six-to-eight-year contract extension at a hefty price, then he regresses shortly after, and they are stuck with the cap hit because he just doesn’t produce like he used to.
What Could a Contract Look Like for Alex Tuch
One recent contract extension that is very comparable to what Tuch is looking for is LA Kings forward, Adrian Kempe. The Kings signed Kempe to an eight-year contract extension worth $10.625 million per season in November 2025.
More details were shared about Tuch’s asking price, as former Sabres GM Kevyn Adams told Darren Dreger it was more than what Kempe received in his new contract.
There are two sides to all of this for me personally. I would like Tuch’s contract to be extended for just five years, right around the $10.5 million-per-season range. However, based on multiple reports, I expect a deal to be in the six- to eight-year range, at $10.6 million to $10.8 million per season.
We’ll see where Tuch and the Sabres stand in the coming weeks as the trade deadline approaches. If the Sabres continue their winning ways, I believe they would rather have him walk in free agency than trade a key piece to help break the playoff drought.
