Oilers and Buffalo Sabres strongly linked on trade for top forward by multiple insiders
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According to a recent report, the would-be missing piece to an Oilers' Stanley Cup winning roster could be available at the trade-deadline.
In addition, NHL insider Jeff Marek confirmed reports of strong noise surrounding Tuch and the Oilers.
Scoring winger and pending-free agent possible missing link
When Connor McDavid offered not to take the full value of his annual salary on his recent extension, it was with the understanding that Stan Bowman would strengthen the lineup for a deep playoff run.
Buffalo's Pending-free agent Alex Tuch certainly fits that criteria. He has one year remaining on his contract at an affordable cap hit of $4.75M, making him an attractive trade target for a contending team like the Oilers.
Tuch is a big, right-shooting winger who is effective playing alongside skilled centers like Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, potentially maximizing their playmaking abilities.
Tuch is a consistent scorer, capable of scoring 30-plus goals and assists on a regular basis, which would boost the Oilers' offensive depth. In the 2024-2025 season, Alex scored 36 goals and 67 points in 82 games with the Sabres.
Alex also possesses a unique combination of size (6'4", 219 lbs) and speed, ranking in the 85th percentile for top skating speed (22.99 MPH) in the NHL, which allows him to excel off the rush and create scoring opportunities, as per NHL.com.
Alex has developed the exact skills that Stan Bowman covets in a top-6 winger, a strong, consistent two-way game who is not afraid to engage physically, or block shots, making him a more complete player than just an offensive threat, much like what Zach Hyman brings to the lineup.
An all-around player, Alex Tuch led the Buffalo Sabres in plus-minus (+16) and takeaways (49) in the 2024-2025 season and led the league in short-handed goals (6).
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