The Latest on Alex Tuch's Future in Buffalo Revealed

Like so many on the Buffalo Sabres in recent times, Alex Tuch has found his name on the rumor mill, being suggested as a trade chip for the Sabres this summer.

But the ongoing truth is that Tuch is happy in Buffalo, and it's far more likely that he stays long-term.

Tuch is coming off his second 36-goal season in the last three years, and is eligible for an extension this summer as he's going into the final season of his seven-year deal with a $4.75 million AAV. He is certainly due for a big raise, likely to the range of an $8 million AAV, per Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic.

Insider David Pagnotta told the guys on The Big Show with Rusic & Rose this week that not only does Tuch want to buck the trend and stay in Buffalo, but steps are already underway to have that come to fruition.

They've started preliminary talks with Alex Tuch to keep him on a long-term deal. They want to make it happen, and all indications are that he does, which is a good sign if you're a Sabres fan.

Tuch's recent comments would seem to indicate as such, as after the season ended, in April, he said, "I love it here in Buffalo. ... I would like to win here in Buffalo."

Tuch was born in nearby Rochester, NY, just two hours up the road in Western New York. He does not intend to follow Dylan Cozens, JJ Peterka, and presumably Bowen Byram out the door.

Those aforementioned three are "the final trio of guys" asking out, says Pagnotta, and Sabres management is now saying "'Alright, this is the end of it, we're changing the tide on this, we're building with this core, and we're finally gonna take those steps in the right direction.'"

It's been nearly four years now since Alex Tuch arrived in Buffalo as a key piece in the return for the trade of Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights. And while the circumstances surrounding the departure of the former No. 2 overall draft pick still bring up tough memories for Sabres fans, Tuch has done pretty well for himself with his near-hometown team.