Potential Trade Opportunities in the NHL
In the latest installment of their matchmaking series, NHL insiders Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston from The Athletic spotlight potential trade opportunities among top players. Their third edition focuses on Buffalo Sabres right winger Alex Tuch, who they suggest could be a strategic asset for the Los Angeles Kings.
Alex Tuch’s Contract Situation
Tuch, 29, is currently in the concluding year of a seven-year, $33.25 million contract, which carries a cap hit of $4.75 million. Importantly, he also possesses a five-team no-trade clause, providing him with some control over his potential move. As a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), the Sabres face the decision of whether to extend his contract or trade him before the deadline.
The Kings’ Playoff Aspirations
After securing a couple of recent victories against the Minnesota Wild, the Kings have positioned themselves in the playoff race, currently holding the first wild-card spot in the West and matching points with rivals the Anaheim Ducks and the Seattle Kraken. However, with injuries sidelining key players like team captain Anze Kopitar and right winger Joel Armia for the foreseeable future, Los Angeles’s scoring troubles may become more pronounced.
According to LeBrun, acquiring Tuch could significantly enhance their offense, particularly given that the team ranks among the lowest in goal-scoring across the league.
Presently, the Kings have managed just 109 goals over 41 games, surpassing only the St. Louis Blues and Seattle Kraken, both with 107. In contrast, Tuch has found the net 12 times this season while contributing a total of 32 points for the Sabres. If traded to Los Angeles, he would ascend to third in goals and second in points on the Kings’ roster.
The Future of Tuch in Buffalo
The future of Tuch’s tenure in Buffalo rests heavily on the decision-making of newly appointed general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who recently promoted a senior advisor from the Kings, Marc Bergevin, to take over as associate GM following Jason Karmanos‘s departure. This transition could influence how Kekalainen navigates trade discussions with Tuch, especially since the Sabres are only three points shy of a playoff position following a strong finish to the previous season.
If Buffalo continues its playoff pursuit, Tuch may remain a crucial part of their lineup as they seek their first postseason appearance since 2011.
Additional Trade Interests
Meanwhile, Johnston has noted that the Kings might also be eyeing Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, indicating a potential dual trade focus for Los Angeles as they aim to bolster their roster.
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