Alex Tuch is looking to get paid handsomely.
The Buffalo Sabres forward, who's a pending unrestricted free agent, is asking for an average annual value of at least $10 million on his next contract, sources told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. Tuch and the Sabres reportedly remain engaged in extension talks.
Tuch, 29, would likely be the top UFA forward if he decides to test the open market on July 1. Similar contracts handed out recently include that of Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz (eight years, $8-million AAV signed Wednesday) and Los Angeles Kings winger Adrian Kempe (eight years, $10.625-million AAV signed in November).
The Sabres project to have roughly $13 million in cap space this summer, with new deals also needed for restricted free agents Zach Benson, Peyton Krebs, and Michael Kesselring.
Tuch, a native of Western New York, has been a key part of Buffalo's resurgent season, generating 28 goals and 57 points in 64 games. His best campaign came in 2022-23, when he notched 36 goals and 79 points in 74 appearances. The Sabres acquired the 6-foot-4, 219-pound winger in 2021 as part of the trade that sent Jack Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Other potential 2026 UFAs include defensemen Darren Raddysh, John Carlson, and Rasmus Andersson as well as forwards Mason Marchment, Charlie Coyle, and Anthony Mantha.
