Contract Talks with Alex Tuch
In a recent update, Buffalo’s General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who took the helm of the Sabres last month, indicated that he plans to reinitiate contract talks with winger Alex Tuch. According to David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period, Kekalainen has already reached out to Tuch’s agent, Brian Bartlett, with negotiations set to continue into January.
One significant hurdle in these discussions appears to be Tuch’s contract demands, reportedly exceeding $10 million annually over an eight-year period. This figure aligns closely with the recent contract signed by Adrian Kempe of the LA Kings. However, there is no evidence yet that the Sabres’ negotiating stance has softened since talks halted back in October.
Urgency Before Trade Deadline
The urgency for the Sabres is palpable as they must resolve Tuch’s contract situation before the trade deadline on March 6. Failing to secure a deal could lead to a trade, potentially yielding a substantial return for the wing.
Goaltending Situation
Alongside this pressing issue, Kekalainen is also tasked with addressing the team’s goaltending situation. The GM supported the decision to bring Colten Ellis in off waivers from the St. Louis Blues, which means the Sabres will now carry three goalies on their NHL roster. This move likely sidelines Devon Levi, once a highly promising prospect for the Sabres, from making his anticipated NHL debut this season.
Levi had signed a two-year contract worth $1.625 million this summer, but his lack of restricted free agent status limited his negotiating power. Following a stellar performance in the AHL with Rochester, where he excelled for two seasons, he has found his current performance slightly dipping with a record of 11-5-4 and a 2.82 goals-against average in the ongoing season.
Compounding the Sabres’ dilemma is that both Levi and Ellis will not be waiver exempt for the following year. Kekalainen faces a strategic choice: utilize the young goalie as a trade asset, given the ongoing need for quality goaltending across the league, or risk waiting until summer to make a move, which could minimize potential returns.
Conclusion
As developments unfold, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the outcomes of these crucial decisions for the Sabres’ future.
