Big-Name Winger Presses Pause on Contract Talks, Rumors Swirl Around Oilers

Things can change quickly in the NHL. A team that looks unstoppable one week can suddenly fall apart the next, while a club that seems to be in crisis can string together a couple of wins and flip the narrative entirely. That might be the case in Buffalo, where the Sabres stumbled out of the gate but have now won two straight. Their sudden turnaround could influence how Alex Tuch feels about re-signing — potentially making the recent speculation from one hockey insider already out of date.

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According to NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Tuch and his agent, Brian Bartlett, have decided to press pause on contract negotiations with the Sabres, a move that was potentially done, both because the two sides were far apart on money, but also because the Sabres were terrible out of the gate this season.

Pagnotta revealed during an appearance on The Sheet with Jeff Marek that Bartlett confirmed talks are “on hold for the time being,” noting that Buffalo’s sluggish start to the season may have played a role in the decision. Pagnotta called it the “Sabres tax” and explained, “I’ve got to imagine he’s thinking, ‘If this team isn’t going to start trending in the right direction… I might as well take my game to July 1 and cash in big time.'”

Now, whether his thoughts on the matter have changed now that the Sabres have won a couple of games is unclear. But, the Sabres have long been a team that struggles and doesn’t meet expectations and as much as Tuch seems open to staying, the idea that playing on a winning team seems enticing is probably real.

The Oilers Are Struggling

Meanwhile, the Oilers, a Stanley Cup contender, have struggled over the past three games. With a win over the New York Rangers (where the Oilers didn’t look good), but losses to the Islanders and Devils, Edmonton is trying to find its offense, and it just isn’t coming.

They have been looking for a physical, skilled, top-six winger with scoring touch for years. Their recent struggles are only accentuating how vital that need might be. Already said to have been monitoring the situation in Buffalo closely, Tuch, 28, fits perfectly if he decides not to sign where he is.

Tuch is Getting More and More Expensive

The potential cost of Tuch may be prohibitive. Pagnotta noted that teams believe Tuch’s next contract could exceed $11 million per year, far above what the Oilers can realistically manage under the salary cap. Still, if Buffalo’s season continues to spiral, a trade-deadline rental deal might become an option.

Through five games this season, Tuch has recorded one goal and three assists, continuing to produce despite Buffalo’s early struggles. Whether he remains part of the Sabres’ long-term plans — or becomes a prime target for a contender like Edmonton — is now one of the NHL’s developing storylines.

Next: Someone Is Getting Cut by the Oilers: Who Will It Be?