A Sabres Offer to Alex Tuch Revealed—And It Was Nowhere Close

He's a Western New York guy. He would love to stay home with the Buffalo Sabres. But Alex Tuch still, rightfully, feels he deserves his market value as he approaches unrestricted free agency. That's why there's still nothing resembling a new extension in Buffalo. The latest report from insider Elliotte Friedman is that the Sabres likely made an offer to Tuch that was nowhere close.

I’ve heard two stories: that the Sabres offered him in the vicinity of Thompson’s number ($7.14M AAV) and that they discussed concepts without making an official offer. Whatever the case, they were not anywhere near what Tuch considers his market value — around $10.5M.

Tuch's camp is using the Adrian Kempe extension with the LA Kings as a comp. That's an eight-year deal with a $10.625 million AAV.

Friedman reiterates that former GM Kevyn Adams felt that if he committed a number north of $10M to Tuch, "it would prevent him from doing other things" with his roster. With extensions needed for Zach Benson and Josh Doan, the insider feels those are two of those "other things."

But there's a new man in the corner office now, and GM Jarmo Kekalainen has already stated that getting Tuch signed to an extension is one of his priorities. But whether Sabres owner Terry Pegula will green-light that type of money remains to be seen.

Tuch is a critical part of everything the Sabres do, playing in the top six, a top member of the penalty killing unit, and skating on the power play. The 6'4" power forward is an excellent two-way player, who this season has 29 points in 32 games. He's a hard-working team leader, on and off the ice. Letting him get away would be a big blow to the franchise.